edited by: Swati Chaturvedi
Last Update: February 22, 2023, 05:46 IST
Giving room for flexibility, and providing supports and opportunities to people with disabilities will ensure they are more creative and engaged
Census of India 2011 reveals the presence of 11.9 million women with disabilities, yet only 23% of women with disabilities are employed
Pooja Agarwal (name changed) belongs to the heart of Haryana. She lost her sight at the age of 17, while she was still fostering dreams of graduating in commerce and taking up a corporate role in finance and accounting. She was lost – because not only had she lost her sight but her dreams and life’s purpose altogether. Coming from an orthodox family, she faced immense challenges in being able to normalize her life. “For two years, she lived a life of oblivion, where she confined herself within the four walls of her home with little hope for the future. NAB – National Association for the Blind Women, Haus Khaj became a beacon of hope for her when she managed to get back on her feet. After completing a course on basic life skills, she was hired by Sarathi 5 years back, since then she has overcome many hurdles, from coming alone, to pressure from home to get married and find herself To find a path to growth,” says Richa. Bansal, Founder and Managing Director, Saarthi.
Census of India 2011 reveals an eye-opening statistical profile stating the presence of 11.9 million women with disabilities, yet only 23% of women with disabilities are employed in the agriculture sector, manufacturing sector, government-sponsored programs, or themselves -working. Changes in the recruitment process within the private sector have led to the discovery of untapped potential. “By expanding employment opportunities for women with disabilities, organizations open the floor for increased employee productivity, loyalty, and reduced absenteeism while creating a supportive business environment. When it comes to career advancement and life satisfaction, women with disabilities have more opportunities than those without disabilities. experience more emotional distress than women,” says Seema Rekha, managing director, Antharman Consulting.
This crisis stems from the inequality of equal opportunities at various employment and developmental levels such as training status, compensation and other privileges of employment. This discrimination can be frustrating and serves as an unintentional deterrent that deters individuals from joining private corporations. “An inclusive environment that prioritizes diversity and emphasizes improving the work experience of employees will be beneficial. Additionally, ensuring the installation of inclusive designs will improve the accessibility of work set-ups,” says Rekha. Allowing room for flexibility, and providing supports and opportunities to people with disabilities will ensure they are more creative and engaged. It is imperative that organizations pioneer an inclusive work culture to cultivate diverse perspectives and drive better business results.
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Working in the field of disability inclusion, “I feel that women with disabilities are far more disadvantaged than any other section of society. Hence it is all the more important for organizations to work on the mental well-being of such women to help them gain confidence and see purpose in life. Our endeavor has been to encourage women-centric initiatives that allow women to bond and share their stories – this helps empower them and also brings hope to each other. A safe space to share works wonders for them,” signed off Bansal.
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