IRCD.net.pk

Gone are the days when persons with disabilities were taken as a curse and many virtually lived their lives as prisoners.

Though late, both civil society and public sector in the country have started responding to the needs of such people, with government determining a must 10 per cent job quota in all public sector organisations and corporate sector providing them level playing field to compete for jobs.

Special Talent Exchange Program (Step) organised a seminar on Friday to mark the International Labour Day on theme of “Employment and Disability”.

In his introductory remarks, Step President Atif Sheikh said though the situation had improved for physically challenged people in cities, but those living in rural areas were still treated as prisoners as they spent their entire lives in their homes.

“Disabled women suffer even more due to prevailing gender bias, hence, need special attention of the policymakers,” Mr Sheikh said.

Barriers which disabled people face in getting jobs and taking their place in society can and should be overcome through a variety of policy measures, regulations, and services, he suggested.

However, he acknowledged the fact that there was increasing realisation within the government towards the welfare of disable people.

Zubair Abbasi, a development economist and policy analyst, said economic growth showed in figures should be translated in terms jobs creation, equal jobs opportunities and improvement in the living styles of ordinary people.

He said there were three basic cornerstones of genuine economic growth – sustainability, equitable distribution of resources and increase in production.

Khalid Naeem, an official of the Ministry of Social Welfare, said discussing disability on the eve of the Labour Day in itself was of great importance. “It does not matter what percentage of country’s population is with disabilities, but the trying circumstances they have to face.” International Labour Organisation (ILO) Country Director Donglin Li, who was chief guest, said the ILO was strong supporter of the provi sion of equal opportunities to people with disabilities.

Source: http://epaper.dawn.com/Default.aspx?selpg=1990

Filed under: News from Pakistan on May 5th, 2010