WE ABLE to look forward - Disability Inclusive by 2022
WE ABLE
WE ABLE to look forward - Disability Inclusive by 2022
At Zain , diversity and inclusion are a priority as we believe that together we are stronger . WE ABLE , a disability inclusion initiative , was launched in July 2019 , with the aim of making Zain disability inclusive by 2022 across all its operations . The initiative has four main targets :
1 . Increase employment of people with disabilities 2 . Ensure all training programs are disability inclusive 3 . Ensure all operating locations are accessible 4 . Identify and implement assistive technologies that will enable employees with disabilities to independently complete their work
According to the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for West Asia ( ESCWA ), the unemployment rate in the MENA region for people with disabilities is as high as 86 % for females and 66 % for males . This high unemployment rate indicated to Zain ’ s management the requirement to establish a clear framework to address the situation , while also highlighting the massive opportunity for the company to recruit people with disabilities to become part of Zain ’ s 7,000 plus talented workforce .
Due to advancements in technology , the inclusion of people with disabilities without reducing operational performance has become achievable . The Global Disability Summit held in London in 2018 , for example , formulated a charter for change for people with disabilities . Zain immediately committed to four of the ten principles in the charter , partnering with the International Labor Organization Global Business and Disability Network to guide the company ’ s strategy in this regard .
Zain Group ’ s advances in the area of diversity and inclusion echo the view of the Vice-Chairman and Group CEO , Bader Al-Kharafi who said , “ It is our duty to ensure we are a diverse and inclusive workplace . Now is the time .”
Partnership with the International Labor Organization
Zain Group ’ s WE ABLE partnered with the International Labor Organization ( ILO ) Global Business and Disability Network to ensure the success of the WE ABLE initiative . The ILO ’ s main focus is on human and labor rights , as well as social justice . The ILO Global Business and Disability Network ’ s goal is to ensure global inclusion and respectability of people with disabilities in the workforce .
The organization also seeks to ensure that companies practice inclusivity and that their policies of employment are inclusive to people with disabilities . The ILO also raises awareness about the benefits of hiring people with disabilities , and has four main priorities , which are :
Across the globe , members of the Global Business and Disability Network are supported in their efforts to become inclusive , with membership extending to multinational enterprises , international nonprofit entities , and national business networks . The Network ’ s charter has 10 principles that companies can align to in order to achieve inclusivity and equal opportunities for people with disabilities . Zain has already adopted four of them .
1 . Employment in the private sector in developing countries 2 . Digital accessibility 3 . Diminishing stigmas and stereotypes 4 . Promoting mental health at work
Zain has already signed up to four of the ILO ’ s 10 charter principles
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