GIZ under the Support to the Private and Financial Sector Programme has held a career guidance training workshop for Persons with Disabilities (PWD) with a call no employers to continuously improve the inclusion of persons with disabilities in their workforces by making recruitment processes fully accessible.

Themed "Breaking Barriers, Building Futures: Empowering Abilities for Inclusive Careers", the primary objective of the Career Guidance Session is to empower PWDs by providing them with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to make informed career choices, set realistic career goals, and overcome barriers to employment.

The Project Manager of EU-Germany-Ghana Joint Action on Jobs, Migration and Development, Alice Claridge, speaking at the event in Accra observed that the session was designed to pave the way towards a more inclusive future.

She added that the session has become imperative because they recognize the importance of empowering individuals with disabilities to navigate the complex landscape of employment and career development.

She explained that the project goal of the EU-Germany-Ghana Joint Action on Jobs, Migration and Development is to strengthen the capacities of national, regional, and local stakeholders in Ghana to expand access to employment opportunities within Ghana and beyond for jobseekers and returned migrants, with a focus on vulnerable groups.

“One aspect of it is to enhance the employment services that government institutions like the Labour Department offer to jobseekers, entrepreneurs, and those who would like to reorient their career paths,” she added.

“Together with the Labour Department we aim to equip people with disabilities with the tools and knowledge they need to confidently pursue and secure employment opportunities,” she noted.

The challenges faced in the job market are multifaceted, ranging from attitudinal barriers of employers to lack of accessibility and limited awareness.

“Our project recognizes these challenges, and today’s event is a strategic step towards dismantling these obstacles,” she stressed.

Programmes Officer-EU, Marta Anna Brignone, noted that the session holds special significance not only to provide valuable career guidance but also to commemorate the International Day for Persons with Disabilities.

She added the International Day for Persons with Disabilities serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities, but more importantly, it is a testament to the strength, determination, and achievements of this remarkable community.

“We believe that true empowerment comes from recognizing, nurturing, and leveraging these abilities to pave the way for meaningful and fulfilling careers”, she noted.

“We acknowledge that careers are not just about jobs; they are about constructing a foundation for success, self-fulfillment, economic freedom, and making valuable contributions to society. Through career guidance and counseling, we aim to equip you with the tools and knowledge needed to navigate the professional landscape with confidence,” she stressed.

“We encourage employers to continuously improve the inclusion of persons with disabilities in their workforces by making recruitment processes fully accessible, developing appropriate skills training, raising awareness, investing in accessible physical and digital infrastructures, and reasonable workplace adjustments. We envision a future where every person, regardless of ability, can contribute their unique talents to the workforce, enriching our collective experiences,” she was hopeful.

Brignone reminded all that disability is not inability, but it is about how individuals interact and respond to the environments in which they live.