“Implementation of the Law on Employment and Vocational Training for Persons with Disabilities” was the subject of the debate held by Handikos Mitrovica, member organization of Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN), on 13 February to discuss opportunities and challenges for employment of people with disabilities.
Initially, Myrvete Hasani, Director of Handikos Mitrovica, talked about the barriers that people with disabilities generally face, with a particular emphasis on employment.
“These obstacles are causing problems in employment of people with disabilities, making it difficult to have access in the labor market, so through this project we are aim to train young people in adapting their strengths to the demands of employers”, Hasan said.
Throughout the debate, the legislative aspects that regulate the employment of people with disabilities were also discussed, identifying the points at which relevant institutions could contribute more, as well as the benefits for employers in the hiring of people with disabilities.
Leonita Sadiku, a student at the University of Mitrovica “Isa Boletini”, shared her experience of employment discrimination. Sadiku said that despite the difficulties, she won’t give up until she finds a job, adding that such activities inspire her.
Given the urgent need to integrate people with disabilities into the labor market, the participants contributed to the following recommendations:
- Developing and updating of the existing Handikos Mitrovica database which would assist potential donors in identifying beneficiaries,
- Monitoring businesses and institutions by labor inspectors regarding the implementation of the existing Law,
- Providing advocacy in private businesses and their awareness of existing legislation guaranteeing the right to employment.
Taking part in the debate were Kushtrim Shabani, Employment Office Mitrovica; Arif Kadriu, Project Manager at Caritas Kosova; Leonita Sadiku, student. Participants were many students from the University of Mitrovica and members of Handikos Mitrovica.
This initiative is supported by the Kosovo Women’s Fund (KWF) and funded by UN Women.
In addition to Handkos Mitrovica, 19 other member organizations benefit from the 14th round of KWF. You can read the full list HERE.
