KARACHI: The Pakistan Business and Disability Network (PBDN), jointly with the Employers’ Federation of Pakistan (EFP) and with the support of Sightsavers, successfully organized an impactful Awareness-Raising Session for Employers on Disability Inclusion at local hotel. This event attracted over 40 organizations from diverse sectors, aiming to boost employers’ confidence in hiring and supporting persons with disabilities and to promote inclusive workplaces in Pakistan.
The session aimed to empower employers with essential insights and practical tools for fostering an inclusive workplace culture that embraces persons with disabilities. Syed Nazar Ali, Secretary General of EFP, welcomed participants and outlined the session’s objectives, emphasizing that the inclusion of persons with disabilities aligns with business interests. He was followed by Majyd Aziz, who commended the collaborative efforts of EFP-PBDN and Sightsavers in promoting disability inclusion. Mr. Aziz encouraged participants to focus on the strengths and capabilities of persons with disabilities, stressing the importance of supporting their professional growth rather than viewing them with pity.
Jamila Yar of Sightsavers led a technical presentation to raise awareness among employers about disability inclusion. She covered key topics, including Disability Fundamentals, Common Workplace Barriers, and the Business and Ethical Rationale for Disability Inclusion, offering critical information on inclusive practices and actionable strategies for organizations.
Participants also engaged in interactive group activities to explore and reflect on their perceptions of disability inclusion. These activities provided employers with the opportunity to discuss real-world challenges, share insights, and explore approaches to more effectively integrate persons with disabilities into the workforce.
Irfan ul Haq, Senior Manager at DHL, shared his personal success story and the challenges he faced as a person with a physical impairment. His journey underscored the value of workplace inclusion and the importance of creating accessible career pathways for talented individuals with disabilities. He stressed the need for equal opportunities for persons with disabilities in employment and encouraged employers to view disability inclusion as a priority for their organizations.
Mobeen Chughtai from Soorty Textile and Mustafa Ahmed from Artistic Milliners shared their positive experiences with hiring persons with disabilities, offering valuable insights and recommendations for inclusive employment practices.
The session achieved significant outcomes by fostering a stronger sense of confidence among employers, empowering them to integrate persons with disabilities within their organizations more effectively. The event cultivated collaboration, with employers exchanging experiences and perspectives, establishing a foundation for a supportive network that champions disability inclusion across industries.
The participants expressed their appreciation for PBDN’s dedicated efforts in advancing disability inclusion and highlighted the importance of building the skills and capacities of persons with disabilities to enhance their integration into the workforce. These suggestions underscore the collective commitment to creating an inclusive employment landscape in Pakistan, where everyone has equal opportunities to contribute and thrive.