PPDI’s FGD on Stigma and Discrimination towards Persons with Disabilities in the Workplace

On March 10, AGENDA’s partner, the Indonesian Disabled Persons Organization (Perkumpulan Penyandang Disabilitas Indonesia/PPDI) conducted a virtual focus group discussion (FGD) on the elimination of stigma and discrimination towards persons with disabilities in the workplace. This FGD aimed to 1) identify various forms of stigma and discrimination faced by persons with disabilities in the workplace; 2) identify opportunities to reduce and eliminate stigma and discrimination; 3) map the strategic role of DPOs, civil society organizations (CSOs) and national human rights institutions (NHRIs); and 4) increase the awareness and understanding of the implementation of the Enabling Masterplan and its action points. The 48 participants, including 27 women, from DPOs, CSOs and NHRIs, represented a variety of physical and psychosocial disabilities.  The FGD resulted in eleven recommendations for targeted stakeholders such as private companies, state-owned companies, the Ministry of Manpower and the Ministry of Social Welfare. These recommendations explored the elimination of stigma and discrimination towards persons with disabilities including raising stakeholders’ awareness on employment rights and the intersectionality of the employment issue, increasing collaboration among stakeholders in conducting sensitization training to create an inclusive work environment, removing physical and environmental barriers by conducting accessibility audits in companies and government buildings, promoting inclusive work environments for persons with disabilities and conducting capacity building activities for persons with disabilities. PPDI will share these recommendations with representatives from the private sector and government in their second FGD. Sign language interpretation was provided for deaf participants during the discussion