The International Red Cross Society (ICRC) in Ethiopia, through its social inclusion project, is restoring hope and dignity to people living with disabilities by helping them gain employment.

Development Diaries reports that the project offers people with disabilities equal opportunities to showcase their knowledge and skills, and ability to learn, work and be gainfully employed in Ethiopia.

Through this initiative, the ICRC works to make the services of persons with physical disabilities more visible to employers through internships and ensuring their rights are respected.

It is commonly thought that people with physical disabilities cannot perform effectively in the workplace, and social isolation and discrimination have limited their employment opportunities, with organisations losing out on qualified talent.

Despite having university qualifications in specific fields and the potential to perform required tasks, people with disabilities are often denied employment opportunities.

‘Many of us are qualified and striving to work but are not given the chance. We can improve this situation in the country’, ICRC’s Social Inclusion Officer in Addis Ababa, Tilahun Bedada, said in a statement.

It is understood that a total of 225 people with disabilities have benefited from ICRC’s inclusion project.

Ethiopia is one of the 166 countries that have ratified the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

The convention promotes, protects and ensures the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities.

Photo source: ICRC