High unemployment among disabled persons
• 91% in Kunene without work
Discrimination, inaccessible workplaces and a lack of support services were identified as hurdles to disabled persons' employment prospects.
Namibia took a significant step towards improving disability data collection during a workshop held recently in Windhoek.
The workshop unveiled key findings that shed light on the pressing needs of persons with disabilities, particularly in terms of assistive devices and employment opportunities.
According to a study conducted in the Khomas and Kunene regions, 69.72% of persons with disabilities in Khomas and 91% in Kunene are currently unemployed. These alarming statistics highlight the urgent need for intervention to address the challenges faced by these individuals in accessing and retaining employment.
The study further identified obstacles that contribute to the high unemployment rates among persons with disabilities. Discrimination, lack of education and skills, inaccessible workplaces, transportation limitations, inadequate social protection and a lack of support services were all identified as significant hurdles to their employment prospects.
It also revealed that the majority of persons with disabilities have a gross annual income of less than N$16 800, further underscoring the economic hardships faced by this marginalised group.
Meanwhile, only 10.6% and 1.3% of individuals in Khomas and Kunene have attained higher education, it found.
Let the numbers talk
Disability affairs deputy minister Alexia Manombe-Ncube, who delivered the keynote address at the workshop, commended the researchers for their efforts.
She emphasised the importance of accurate data, saying: "When we have accurate data on the table, we can use evidence-based arguments to support our claims and arguments. It will help us to do better planning.
“I can imagine how a whole new world of possibilities open up for better services to persons with disabilities when we let the numbers do the talking."
She further stressed the need to demonstrate how disability inclusion contributes to economic growth, social cohesion and human development.
"We can only achieve economic growth, social cohesion and human development when we work together and when we share the evidence with decision-makers.”
The workshop unveiled key findings that shed light on the pressing needs of persons with disabilities, particularly in terms of assistive devices and employment opportunities.
According to a study conducted in the Khomas and Kunene regions, 69.72% of persons with disabilities in Khomas and 91% in Kunene are currently unemployed. These alarming statistics highlight the urgent need for intervention to address the challenges faced by these individuals in accessing and retaining employment.
The study further identified obstacles that contribute to the high unemployment rates among persons with disabilities. Discrimination, lack of education and skills, inaccessible workplaces, transportation limitations, inadequate social protection and a lack of support services were all identified as significant hurdles to their employment prospects.
It also revealed that the majority of persons with disabilities have a gross annual income of less than N$16 800, further underscoring the economic hardships faced by this marginalised group.
Meanwhile, only 10.6% and 1.3% of individuals in Khomas and Kunene have attained higher education, it found.
Let the numbers talk
Disability affairs deputy minister Alexia Manombe-Ncube, who delivered the keynote address at the workshop, commended the researchers for their efforts.
She emphasised the importance of accurate data, saying: "When we have accurate data on the table, we can use evidence-based arguments to support our claims and arguments. It will help us to do better planning.
“I can imagine how a whole new world of possibilities open up for better services to persons with disabilities when we let the numbers do the talking."
She further stressed the need to demonstrate how disability inclusion contributes to economic growth, social cohesion and human development.
"We can only achieve economic growth, social cohesion and human development when we work together and when we share the evidence with decision-makers.”
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