Kuwait: Jusoor – Events

Zain Group has launched the initiative “The Masters,” representing the first employee resource group of people with disabilities (30 individuals) aimed at empowering persons with disabilities to create, lead, and shape their experiences within Zain.

Zain, a leading technology innovator in the Middle East and Africa markets, stated that “The Masters” initiative is part of its comprehensive strategy for people with disabilities. It focuses on four key impact areas: a disability inclusion strategy through implementing a shared plan designed to guide efforts to make Zain a more inclusive workplace; facilitating accessibility in decision-making processes by integrating accessibility into all aspects of decision-making to ensure that products, services, and experiences are designed with everyone in mind.

The main focus areas also include implementing a “Learning and Leadership” program that fosters a supportive environment where people with disabilities can communicate, share experiences, and grow professionally. The final key area works on visibility and voice, enhancing the amplification of the voices of people with disabilities and ensuring their needs, contributions, and recognition are acknowledged and valued.

The group highlighted that this initiative underscores its commitment to advocating for initiatives that empower people with disabilities in workplace environments. It explained that forming an employee resource group led by people with disabilities for people with disabilities reinforces the primary goal of enabling individuals with disabilities to become decision-makers, leaders, and catalysts for change. To that end, Zain established a strategic partnership with Purplespace, the world’s only professional development center for disability network leaders, aiming to help exceed traditional practices in such initiatives.

Bader Nasser Al-Kharafi, Vice Chairman and CEO of Zain Group, said:
“As a leading regional organization, launching The Masters initiative presents an opportunity to call on people with disabilities to assume leadership roles and engage in business activities.”

Al-Kharafi added:
“Our mission at Zain goes beyond providing telecommunications services. We focus on addressing gaps and challenges across our operations, working to deliver meaningful connectivity that drives fair systemic change in all our markets. In this regard, we continually renew our determination to leave no one behind, aiming to help build communities where everyone participates.”

Notably, Zain recently completed its Learning and Leadership program, conducting three-day training workshops for 15 experts from all its markets, in addition to participants from Omantel. This program was delivered by The Butterfly, a UAE-based organization that enlightens, supports, assists, and empowers people with disabilities to make informed choices, access services, and participate effectively in decision-making on issues impacting their lives. The Butterfly is well-known for disability training.

Zain stated that the experts are expected to return to their roles after completing the training and will subsequently deliver similar training sessions to employees before and after the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3, 2024. This pioneering program frames disability within the group’s overall strategy, aiming to enable individuals with disabilities to lead sessions, have their voices heard, and receive recognition for their contributions.

The expert program ensures that blind, deaf, or physically disabled employees have the opportunity to train others at Zain Group and Omantel, continuously advocate for the initiative’s goals, raise awareness about disability, promote self-empowerment, leadership, public speaking, and presentation skills, thereby providing them with a platform to lead and shape their own experiences.

The “Learning and Leadership” sessions are expected to host around 1,000 attendees. Through this initiative, all current and future experts at Zain Group and Omantel will have the opportunity to advocate for themselves and others, share their experiences, and become leaders wherever they are. Zain believes that the efforts of its flagship initiative The Masters will not only enhance its commitment to inclusivity and diversity but will also set a benchmark in this field. Notably, 30 members with disabilities representing an employee resource group from several countries have joined this initiative with the single goal of turning dreams into reality.

Zain previously launched the WE ABLE initiative for people with disabilities to reaffirm its commitment to developing and implementing a sustainable, inclusive program. Zain believes in the rights of people with disabilities to contribute effectively to the workforce and society in general. Hence, this initiative is a priority and part of its vision for inclusion, diversity, and equity. Zain works closely with expert institutions and partners in this field to continue strengthening this strategy.

Zain’s disability inclusion program adheres to the commitments of the “Global Business and Disability Network Charter” under the International Labour Organization, which encourages opening new channels to economically and financially empower people with special needs so they can enjoy decent work and achieve financial independence. This, in turn, entails creating more and better jobs, providing social protection, ensuring adequate training, facilitating access to workplaces, and hiring people with special needs.