Karachi, Saturday, 29July 2024: The Social Aid and Advocacy Program (SAAP) held a distinguished professional development workshop titled “Empowering Change: Understanding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.” The workshop aimed to elucidate the fundamental principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion while exploring strategies to enhance the participation of persons with disabilities in everyday life. Notable participants included representatives from the Disabled Welfare Association (DWA) and the Association of the Physically Handicapped Adults (APHA).
Mr. Sohail Muhammad Ali facilitated the workshop, emphasizing the critical importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion. He provided key definitions and practical examples and engaged participants in a group activity to develop effective inclusion strategies. The discussion highlighted the significant barriers faced by persons with disabilities, which often lead to their exclusion from essential societal benefits and rights, regardless of their geographic location. Participants actively contributed and commended the facilitator’s approach.
The program’s chief guest, Mr. Ghulam Ahmed Mohiuddin, Additional Secretary and Director General of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPD), delivered an insightful address. He detailed the operations of 62 institutions under the DEPD and highlighted the Sindh Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities Act 2018, which led to the establishment of the DEPD to implement the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The DEPD’s mandate includes overseeing rehabilitation, education, vocational training, developing special education curricula, producing Braille and sign language materials, training educators and rehabilitation professionals, and managing a comprehensive disability database. Mr. Farman Ali Tanwari, Regional Director of the DEPD, was also present.
Tasneem Abbas Zaidi, Chairperson of SAAP, extended his gratitude to all participants. The event was further honored by the presence of Dr. Umme Rahil, Vice Chairperson of SAAP, Syeda Imsaal Zehra, Executive Member SAAP, Javed Malik, CEO Daily News Lark, Ms. Fatima, Executive Member SAAP, Ms. Naurin Shivji, CEO of Zhavia Healthcare, and Mr. Muhammad Ali Sheikh, a distinguished entrepreneur.
