Daily Times

Article 23 under the United Nations states that everyone has the right to work, with free choice of employment in just and favorable conditions as well as protection against unemployment. It further assures that the people have this right without any discrimination with equal pay for equal work. Contextualizing this right can lead to various questions about workplace inclusion especially how inclusivity is not limited to gender or race, rather it constitutes various other aspects in its ambit as well. Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) are one segment in this ambit, and just like able-bodied individuals, they have the right to work with dignity and based on the skillset they possess. In Pakistan, while the 2017 census shows that PWDs only constitute 0.48 percent of the population, sample-based surveys have shown this value to be at least 12 percent, taking the numbers from one million to 25 million.

Looking at these numbers, it becomes quite important to understand ways to bring them to the forefront in the economy, given that they face many obstacles in their daily lives. The Government of Pakistan promulgated Disabled Persons (Employment and Rehabilitation) Ordinance, 1981 (Ordinance XL of 1981) with an objective to empower the persons economically and socially with disabilities by providing job quota in the public organizations, and amendments thus followed. Similarly, Pakistan adopted the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) in 2008 which was ratified in 2011, which stresses the participation of PWDs in the society on various fronts.

Inclusive environments set positive examples, reshaping societal norms, and promoting acceptance.

While the public sector is doing the required work and laying the foundation to include PWDs, there are many private organizations which have already made headways in inclusion. They are replicating international policies at their workplaces in Pakistan to include PWDs by giving them job opportunities and ensuring they do not face any infrastructural barriers either. Inclusive workplaces serve as beacons of change because they demonstrate that disability does not equate to inability and that everyone deserves a fair chance to build a meaningful career. This approach aligns with global initiatives promoting diversity and inclusion as fundamental human rights.

A consumer good company, Unilever Pakistan Limited, is one such conglomerate which believes in these values and is doing more than lip service in terms of the tenets of inclusivity. Fatima Arshad, Head of Sustainability and Corporate Communications, Unilever Pakistan Limited, shares some insights about this: “We at Unilever Pakistan pivoted from our aim of being the top employer of choice in the country to becoming the most inclusive employer of choice.

We launched our UPLIFT Inclusion Trainee program whereby we hired 16 persons with disability; people with physical, visual and speech impairments, and intended to provide them with a level playing field to build their career. We are in continuous pursuit of making accommodations which transform our workplace into a fully inclusive space and onboarding more talent. In preparation of the inclusion program, we sensitized our employees and are offering Pakistan Sign Language classes to interested employees and team members to inculcate a deeper sense of inclusivity.” She added that they also create frequent engagement around relevant international days for sensitization and awareness, both internally and externally.

Samia Qamar, Director of People at S&P Global, Pakistan, shared the importance of making workplaces inclusive for PWDs and explained how the organization ensures its commitment to the same. “On the account of International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we want to salute their determination and support them in building a disability-inclusive workplace. We are striving to create a workplace that promotes empowerment and helps create real opportunities for people with disabilities. Our internship and hiring programs for people with disabilities is a small step in building an equitable workplace for all.”

Omair Ahmad, CEO, NOWPDP (Network of Organisations Working For People With Disabilities Pakistan (NOWPDP) which is a disability inclusion initiative working across Pakistan, stressed on the necessity of workplace being inclusive for PWDs. “In a nation where the prevailing disability narrative often relegates a significant portion of the population to the fringes, or as charity cases, the importance of inclusive workplaces for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) cannot be overstated.

Our work over the last decade has underscored the pressing need for a paradigm shift, emphasizing the urgency of creating environments where disabilities are not viewed as impediments but rather as diverse talents waiting to be harnessed. Inclusive workplaces play a pivotal role in addressing multifaceted societal challenges, and by providing equal opportunities for PWDs, these environments become catalysts for change thus reducing the disparity between different segments of society and ensuring empowerment. The increased representation of individuals with disabilities in the workforce directly combats social taboos, challenging misconceptions and fostering a more compassionate and understanding society.”

Omair emphasized that inclusive workplaces empower individuals with disabilities, relieving family burdens and fostering economic independence. Inclusive environments set positive examples, reshaping societal norms, and promoting acceptance. Beyond social impact, inclusive workplaces contribute to a diverse workforce, aligning with NOWPDP’s vision of a ‘Bashamool Pakistan,’ recognizing and valuing every individual.

Corporations actively creating and providing employment opportunities to PWDs do not only foster a more inclusive workforce but also contribute significantly to the country’s economy. By embracing diversity and inclusivity, these corporations tap into a previously untapped talent pool, recognizing the unique skills and perspectives PWDs bring to the table. Beyond the moral imperative, there are tangible benefits, such as increased innovation, improved workplace morale, and enhanced productivity. These initiatives go beyond mere tokenism, showcasing a commitment to social responsibility and creating a positive impact on the broader community.

PWDs, when given equal opportunities, become valuable contributors to the economic landscape, driving efficiency and competitiveness. Additionally, such inclusive employment practices align with global standards, enhancing the corporate image of these organizations. As PWDs find meaningful employment, they not only experience improved financial well-being but also gain a sense of dignity and purpose. In the broader context, the integration of PWDs into the workforce supports the government’s agenda of promoting inclusivity, contributing to a more prosperous and equitable Pakistan.

The writer is a journalist and a freelance contributor.