The first day dedicated to disabled women was held on Monday, while a men’s day was held Tuesday. Representatives of the private sector and families attended the function.
Chairperson of the Saudi Society of Parents of the Disabled, Princess Latifa bint Thunayan, who is also the head of the Women’s Committee at the King Abdullah Center for Disabled Children, asked businessmen and companies to increase the salaries of those with handicaps.
She said their daily requirements were more than those without disabilities, a fact that might not be realized by companies and establishments.
Addressing the eighth employment day of the SAAB program for disabled women, the princess underlined the significance of providing jobs for this section of society “that is dear to our hearts.”
Following the opening ceremony, which carried the title, “Employing Young Disabled Women,” Princess Latifa toured the center, with Osman Abdou Hashim, the center’s director, and other officials.
She talked to a number of disabled women to assess their abilities and needs to find them employment.
She provided them with encouragement and moral support, asserting that they were an integral part of society. “You must continue your quest for jobs so as to sustain yourselves and your families,” she told them.
Hashim said during its career days, the center was able to find jobs for about 40 disabled women.
“We are trying to find job opportunities for disabled men and women. We have slated nine career days this year, during which we ask private companies and establishments to provide jobs for the disabled,” he said.
When asked about the procedures involved in convincing companies and establishments to employ disabled people, Hashim said they depended entirely on a ministerial decision concerning the Saudization of jobs and the need to integrate the disabled people into the job market.
“The private companies and establishments must shoulder their social responsibility toward this section of society,” Hashim said.
When asked about how to protect the disabled from companies that give them minimal salaries, he replied the labor office was responsible for all workers.
“We always take complaints about low wages to the business owners,” Hashim said.
“The complaints of the disabled revolve mainly around low wages and long working hours,” he added.
According to Hashim, the ratio of employment of disabled women to men was 40 percent to 60 percent.
