According to the National Council for the Care of Persons with Disabilities (Conadi), in Guatemala, 85 percent are unemployed and 13 percent have income from the informal economy, but only 4 percent have paid employment.
The Global Compact Guatemala and Conadi recently held a forum to learn about the current situation of persons with disabilities in the workplace, as a follow-up to the letter of understanding that both entities signed with the aim of establishing a strategic alliance to work together in actions in favor of the labor inclusion of people with disabilities.
Rafael Rodríguez, Minister of Labor and Social Welfare, recalled that in 2015 he started a project called Empléate Inclusivo, which trains people with disabilities so that they can get a job. The General Directorate of Social Welfare develops activities, such as raising awareness in the public and private sectors on disability issues, in addition to creating spaces for work internships, with the purpose that people gain experience.
From January to September of this year, 200 people have been trained within the institution, and work was done on improving the employability profile, with which 23 people with physical and intellectual disabilities were supported, training them in soft skills. Likewise, 60 people with disabilities have been supported so that they can start a business, said Rodríguez.
Rosa Idalia Aldana, president of Conadi, highlighted the importance of approving labor quotas and the commitment to be a coordinating body and advisor for the education and training of human resources, so that there are more decent work spaces. According to what was discussed in the activity, persons with disabilities experience higher unemployment rates, and are at greater risk of insufficient social protection, which is key to reducing poverty.
