The Pakistan Institute of Labour Education and Research (PILER), in collaboration with South Asia Partner Pakistan, hosted an awareness session aimed at underscoring the need for inclusive employment opportunities for women and persons with disabilities (PWDs).
This event sought to foster social behavior change and promote a more equitable workforce and workplace environment
Abbas Haider, Joint Director of PILER, shared insights on how PILER leverages its offices located in four industrial zones—Orangi, New Karachi, Korangi and Landhi—in Karachi to assist individuals interested in joining the Women Empowerment Forum (WEF).
This forum is dedicated to targeting women facing employment barriers and will serve as a catalyst for empowering them and connecting them with job opportunities. Haider reiterated PILER’s commitment to documenting labor rights violations through its centers across Karachi, which play a crucial role in assisting workers in obtaining their rights and dues.
Kiran Zubair from the Treaty Implementation Cell Sindh praised PILER’s initiatives while highlighting the significant challenges stemming from the lack of comprehensive data on PWDs.
She pointed out that although legislation mandates employment quotas for PWDs, the absence of reliable data complicates effective implementation.
She proposed the development of a model within the textile industry that would focus on training unskilled workers before their employment, noting that a pilot program had already been launched in Punjab and is set to expand into Sindh.
Zubair emphasized the barriers faced by women in the textile and garment industries, where many struggle to access basic rights, banking facilities and are vulnerable to gender-based violence.
Aliza Munim, Sindh Chapter Convener of the National Forum for Women with Disabilities, shared her personal journey of overcoming societal and institutional challenges as a PWD.
She called for updated legislation to create a more inclusive environment for PWDs and urged society to recognize their potential and rights. Reflecting on her experiences of discrimination during job interviews, Munim emphasized that deaf individuals can effectively contribute to the workforce through written communication and called for greater understanding from employers. “Despite the challenges, I’ve reached a point where I can guide and support others like me,” she said.
Muhammad Yaqoob, Executive Director of Takhleeq Foundation, introduced a social behavior change campaign designed to empower women in the textile, garment and fashion sectors.
Yaqoob stressed the critical importance of creating a safe and enabling environment that ensures job security while enhancing the skills of women workers.
He acknowledged PILER’s support in facilitating this program in Sindh, which aims to secure employment for 3,500 women and PWDs.
Shehnaz Sheedi of The South Asia Partnership Pakistan (SAP-PK) paid tribute to PILER founder Karamat Ali while discussing the Jazba project, sharing inspiring case studies of differently-abled individuals who have achieved remarkable success within society.
She underscored that being disabled is not a taboo but rather a natural condition. Drawing from her own experience with paralysis, Shireen advocated for a campaign that ensures no disabled person feels diminished or less valued.
Irin Khan from Sudhar Society addressed the need to mobilize women within the textile industry, noting that many require permission from male family members to seek employment. She highlighted her organization’s efforts to inspire positive social change and enhance women’s empowerment.
Senior trade unionist Habibuddin Junaidi concluded by honoring Karamat Ali’s legacy and encouraged youth involved with organizations to strive for impactful change. Junaidi emphasized that ensuring job security for women and PWDs would not only improve individual livelihoods but also secure family futures.
This awareness session marks a significant step toward promoting inclusivity in employment for women and persons with disabilities in Pakistan, paving the way for a more equitable future.
