The Minister of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication, and Social Welfare hosted a Christmas party for people with disabilities at Katima Mulilo.

Minister Sioka said she was humbled to share her time with people with disabilities.

"I'm grateful that you heard my request that we come and eat together, you are the ones I chose this year, I sat down, praying, praying, praying, asking whom am I going to choose this year, which place, so it came to my mind, and God said to me that there are those other people whom I'm abandoning, so it's you."

Sioka informed the gathering that social grants for orphans and vulnerable children, as well as for people with disabilities, will increase next year.

She added that she was aware of challenges faced by people with disabilities, such as inequitable access to resources, services, and employment opportunities and stigma.

This behavior, she says, makes it difficult to create an impulsive society in which all people with and without disabilities can thrive and have their rights respected.

In his remarks, Zambezi Governor Alufea Sampofu said the gesture by the minister is a reminder to people with disabilities that they are not forgotten.

"We are proud of you because you have not let your conditions run over you, but you have trampled them and come out courageously and faced life as it is."

Governor Sampofu also encouraged caregivers to continue their good work.

The Regional Coordinator for Youth with Disabilities, Obrien Mwauluka, urged line ministries to respond to invites sent out by them.

"We request that all line ministries, as well as regional and local government councillors, attend our events when invited."

Those in attendance requested an increase in the disability grant and the building of infrastructure that is suitable for people with disabilities.

They also want a coordinated information sharing platform by all ministries on issues concerning them.