DHAHRAN — In line with its continued efforts to share best practices adopted by companies to develop an inclusive work environment for persons with disabilities, Qaderoon Network organized a visit to Qetan Center for Tailoring and Embroidery, one of Nesma Holding's initiatives in cooperation with Saudi Aramco and Al-Rahma Healthcare Foundation, on Wednesday (Nov. 1) in the Eastern Province.

At the beginning of the visit, a tour was conducted around “Qetan” Center to introduce visitors to the center's employees, especially those with hearing disabilities, while performing their daily tasks. Some of these employees spoke to the visitors to explain how they complete their assigned tasks, and how to communicate with their colleagues at the center.

Dr. Fayez Al-Shehri, Executive Director of Al-Rahma Healthcare Foundation, welcomed all attendees and reinforced the commitment of all partners to the importance of including persons with disabilities in the community.

Ms. Rana Zumai, General Manager of Qetan Center,

presented an overview of the center's work environment, and highlighted the center's journey in the employment of women with disabilities noting that the center currently employs about 100 women with hearing disabilities.

Khalid Al-Hazmi, Director of Corporate Citizenship at Saudi Aramco, spoke about the role of partnerships between businesses and not for profit organizations in developing inclusive work environments for persons with disabilities. Dr. Mervat Tashkandi, Advisor to the Minister of Economy & Planning on Disability & Women Affairs, highlighted the role of women including women with disabilities at work. She explained the framework and factors necessary to create an inclusive work environment for them. The Network meeting concluded with an open discussion on ways to improve different work environments for persons with disabilities.

Sheikh Saleh Al-Turki, Chairman of Nesma Holding, confirmed Nesma's full commitment to persons with disabilities, and offered all means of support to ensure quality of life for them both as employees or customers throughout the Kingdom.

Amr Khashoggi, VP HR & Group Affairs at Al Zahid Group and Chairman of Qaderoon Board of Managers, said: "We are pleased to learn about the efforts of Qetan Center and Nesma Holding, one of Qaderoon’s members, to create a supportive work environment for persons with disabilities. The Network is committed to providing them with suitable jobs to realize their importance as active members of the workforce.

Qetan Center aims to recruit Saudi women, including women with disabilities, empower them in a stimulating career environment, and employ them to produce medical uniforms with competitive quality. — SG