Latest news with #PersonswithDisabilities
Borneo Post
08-05-2025
- General
- Borneo Post
Welfare Dept distributes over RM51 mln in aid to 21,604 recipients as of April
Gira (third right) hands over a hamper to a recipient, witnessed by Mohamad Razi (centre). SIBU (May 8): The Sarawak Welfare Department has disbursed approximately RM51 million in assistance to 21,604 monthly aid recipients across the state as of April this year, said Datuk Mohamad Razi Sitam. The Deputy Minister for Women, Children and Community Wellbeing Development said the government remains committed to channelling appropriate assistance to targeted groups and eligible individuals. 'This assistance is not only aimed at easing the burden of recipients but also serves as moral support, encouraging them to continue striving for a better life,' he said during the Sejambak Kasih Hari Gawai 2025 event at the Selangau Multipurpose Hall today. Elaborating, he said there are currently eight aid schemes in Sarawak, namely Elderly Assistance, Children's Assistance, General Assistance, Allowance for Disabled Workers, Assistance for Non-Working Disabled Persons, Care Assistance for Bedridden Disabled Persons/Chronic Patients, Foster Child Assistance, and Youth and Young Women Assistance. 'We also have a 'top-up' system from the Sarawak government, which means the state does not rely entirely on federal government allocations but supplements the assistance provided,' he said. Mohamad Razi urged parents and community members to be aware of the available government aid schemes, especially for children born with disabilities or those categorised as Persons with Disabilities (PwD). 'Please go for check-ups at hospitals and obtain specialist confirmation to classify them as PwD. Then apply for the PwD card through the Welfare Department or the nearest welfare office. 'Do not hide the fact if you have family members who qualify as a PwD. Similarly, those who become disabled later in life, for example due to an accident and are unable to work, should also obtain a doctor's certification and apply for the PwD card to qualify for assistance.' On the Sejambak Kasih Hari Gawai 2025 programme, the deputy minister said the Welfare Department has been providing RM100 in cash contributions and RM80 worth of festive hampers to recipients for over 20 years. He explained that the contribution aims to ease the financial burden of recipients as they prepare for festive celebrations. 'We want to ensure disadvantaged groups can also experience the festive atmosphere, especially with the upcoming Gawai celebration. Most importantly, this programme strengthens the bond between implementing agencies such as the Welfare Department and the aid recipients,' he said. He also advised recipients to use the assistance wisely and take it as motivation to improve their quality of life. 'Let this assistance remind us of the importance of gratitude and mutual support. Life's challenges may be difficult, but every sincere effort we make will bear fruit.' Also present at the event was Tamin assemblyman Christopher Gira Sambang. razi sitam Sibu Welfare Department
Business Recorder
07-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Bank Alfalah launches app ‘Worklee'
KARACHI: Bank Alfalah has launched the country's first, human resources hiring and remote working app called Worklee. The application is designed to create diversified, inclusive and accessible employment opportunities for all segments of society. The initiative is particularly aimed at women who want to work remotely, Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), and freelancers, removing barriers to accessing professional opportunities in a conventional work environment and thus enriching mutual experiences of both the resource as well as the Bank. The Alfalah Worklee app provides a seamless and user-friendly platform where individuals can register, create a profile, apply for available job opportunities within Bank Alfalah as well as perform their jobs remotely where applicable. The initiative aligns with the State Bank of Pakistan's (SBP) 'Banking on Equality' framework, reinforcing Bank Alfalah's commitment to enabling inclusion and financial empowerment. Initially, the app will facilitate remote hiring and service delivering for contact center WhatsApp chat agent vacancies, with plans to expand into other roles in the future such as programmers/coders, based on business needs. Regarding this initiative, Faisal Farooq Khan, Chief Human Resources Officer, Human Capital Group of Bank Alfalah, said that Bank Alfalah value providing equal employment opportunities to individuals facing challenges in conventional workplaces. Alfalah Worklee is a step towards breaking barriers, offering people from all walks of life the flexibility to work remotely and become financially independent, he added. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Daily Maverick
06-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Maverick
KZN premier told to apologise for ‘tone-deaf' gender-based violence campaign
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli has been instructed to issue a public apology and rework the GBVF campaign after fierce criticism in a province deeply affected by gender-based violence. What was meant to be a campaign to tackle gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) has erupted into a social media storm, with the KwaZulu-Natal provincial government, led by Premier Thami Ntuli, coming under fire for harmful and tone-deaf messaging, according to gender activists. In a social media post, which has since been deleted, Ntuli's office had a post which featured an image of a tearful woman with visible bruises and the slogan: 'Asingababulali, Asibathande, Sibaphe imali', which translates to, 'Let us not kill them, let us love them, let us give them money.' Deputy Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities, Mmapaseka Steve Letsike, has urged the KZN government to retract and review its GBVF campaign, issue a public apology and rework it in consultation with relevant stakeholders. (Screengrab: eNCAnews) Activist Brenda Madumise-Pajibo slammed the campaign, describing the messaging as 'tone-deaf, atrocious, and insensitive', and said it reflected a disturbing lack of understanding about the root causes and realities of gender-based violence. Furthermore, it reinforced harmful gender stereotypes, she said. 'We have seen that we have used violence to demonstrate that we love people and money has been at the centre of wanting control over women and that's why you have financial abuse from men. Once you send a message like that, you are perpetuating a myth that only men can take care of women and that the only thing that can satisfy women is when they have money, even when that money comes with abuse,' she said. The campaign comes against the backdrop of KwaZulu-Natal ranking fourth in the country for reported gender-based violence cases. December 2025, in particular, saw a spike in horrific incidents involving women killed by their intimate partners. In one incident which sent shockwaves through the country, a man identified as Sibusiso Lawrence took to social media to share horrific video footage showing his bloodied girlfriend, stabbed to death. In a short confession, he alleged it was because she had cheated on him. Tragically, this was not an isolated incident. Several similar cases have emerged in the weeks since. The disturbing statistics come despite a 2020 declaration by President Cyril Ramaphosa of GBVF as a national pandemic. Following the declaration, the government adopted the GBVF National Strategic Plan. But practical and accountable implementation has slowed to a snail's pace. Lack of accountability Despite the lack of progress in tackling the pandemic, activist and chairperson of Hlanganisa Community Fund for Social and Gender Justice Lebogang Ramafoko said the KZN messaging was unacceptable and called for accountability. 'If I was a self-respecting government which is committed to women in this country, to ending GBV, this poster would not have existed and an apology would have been given to women, or at least the humility to sit down with activists to understand why this cannot happen,' she said. Ramafoko said it was almost as if the government was continuously scoring own goals where GBV was concerned. Meanwhile, Madumise-Pajibo suggested that the KZN provincial government worked in silos and was not looking at the work done through the national strategic plan on GBV. The plan offered a comprehensive framework for tackling gender-based violence, with specific guidance on messaging that acknowledged the structural and systemic drivers of the issue, she said. Both activists criticised the recent campaign for failing to align with the national strategic plan, particularly Pillar 1, which emphasised accountability, coordination and leadership, pointing to a clear lack of strategic engagement. The campaign also disregarded key principles from Pillar 2, which focused on prevention and shifting harmful social norms that perpetuated gender-based violence. Ntuli told to apologise Deputy Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities, Mmapaseka Steve Letsike, has since instructed the provincial government to retract, review the campaign and issue a formal apology to South Africans. In a letter directed to Ntuli, Letsike said the messaging was not only sexist, but dangerously reductive as it perpetuated harmful stereotypes about the worth of persons belonging to vulnerable groups being tied to material compensation and failed to address the systemic roots of gender-based violence. Reducing any person's safety and dignity to a transactional exchange undermined the very purpose of anti-GBVF initiatives. It communicated to perpetrators that abuse could be 'offset' by financial support, and to victims that their pain could be pacified with money. 'This is a gross misrepresentation of the lived realities of survivors and an egregious watering down of the work by countless government actors, activists, civil society organisations and community members who are fighting tirelessly to end GBVF through empowerment, justice and education. 'A government-led GBVF campaign should aim to challenge all iterations of patriarchy and promote gender equality, not reinforce the deeply embedded notions that women are commodities to be controlled, appeased or purchased,' Letsike said. In March 2025, Premier Ntuli announced that his government would launch an anti-gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide app designed to provide real-time emergency assistance and direct access to critical support services. According to the premier's spokesperson, Bongani Gina, the app would initially be rolled out to students at higher learning institutions across the province. It would integrate with campus security and other local security networks to ensure comprehensive coverage. The app would allow users to send distress signals, access immediate medical and legal support and alert security personnel in the event of an emergency, EWN reported.
Business Standard
02-05-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
American India Foundation and GOI Honor Corporate Leaders in Disability Inclusion at First-Ever DI-verse Certification Ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan
BusinessWire India New Delhi [India], May 2: The American India Foundation (AIF), catalyzing social and economic change in India for the past two decades, co-sponsored the 'Purple Fest' at the official residence of the President of India--Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi. The illustrious event was organized by the Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India. Bringing together over 23,500, including Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), industry leaders, policymakers, and civil society organizations, Purple Fest 2025 showcased India's commitment to breaking employment barriers and fostering a truly inclusive economy. The presence of the Hon'ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, along with Shri. B.L Verma, from DEPwD, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, further emphasized the government's commitment to fostering an inclusive and accessible society. At the heart of this year's fest was the DI-verse Certification Felicitation Ceremony--a landmark initiative recognizing corporate pioneers in disability inclusion. The DI-verse Certification--the nation's First and Only Disability Inclusion Certification for Organizations--was awarded to nine industry leaders for their commitment to building accessible, equitable workplaces. Infosys Limited, Wipro Limited, Compass India Food Services Pvt. Ltd, Future Generali India Insurance Company Limited, Godrej Properties Limited, Vindhya E-Infomedia Pvt. Ltd, The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group, Niva Bupa Health Insurance Company Limited, and Randstad India Private Limited were honored for their exemplary efforts in inclusive hiring, workplace accessibility, and policy transformation. Additionally, a growing number of corporations are actively progressing through the certification process, signaling the momentum toward inclusive workplaces across industries. Further emphasizing its leadership in disability inclusion, AIF was honored with a Letter of Appreciation from the Hon'ble Minister of DEPwD at Purple Fest 2025. This distinguished recognition celebrates AIF's longstanding efforts in building an inclusive workforce through systemic interventions. AIF's network of 1,900+ inclusive employers, disability inclusion initiatives such as DI-verse certification, corporate sensitization training, and its dedicated inclusive job portal have positioned the organization at the forefront of India's disability inclusion movement. Launched in 2024, with the encouragement and support of Dr. Rajesh Agarwal, IAS, Secretary, DEPwD - DI-verse provides companies with a structured, results-driven roadmap to assess, implement, and sustain best-in-class disability inclusion practices. Through its three-tier certification system (A, AA, AAA), DI-verse evaluates organizations across six key pillars: leadership commitment, workforce representation, workplace accessibility, supplier and customer inclusion, community engagement, and inclusive branding--ensuring a structured, measurable approach to disability inclusion. Speaking at the event, Dr. Virendra Kumar, Honorable Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, stressed the significance of corporate participation in India's disability inclusion movement."Workplace inclusion is not an act of charity--it is an economic and social imperative. The DI-verse Certification creates an ecosystem where businesses recognize and leverage the immense contributions of Persons with Disabilities. By embedding inclusive hiring and accessibility practices, companies are not just improving their workplaces but strengthening India's workforce for the future. I encourage organizations across sectors to pursue this certification and actively contribute to India's mission of empowering PwDs." Reaffirming AIF's commitment to driving change, Mr. Mathew Joseph, Country Director, AIF, stated, "The DI-verse Certification is more than an award--it is a movement to reshape India's corporate landscape. By building an inclusive workforce, businesses are unlocking untapped talent, driving innovation, and fostering sustainable economic growth. With our goal of enabling 100,000 jobs for PwDs and certifying 1,000 organizations by 2030, we are turning inclusion from an idea into measurable progress." AIF's 15-year-long flagship Ability-Based Livelihood Empowerment (ABLE) program has been a driving force behind India's largest PwD employment campaign, accelerating the momentum for workplace disability inclusion. In the past year alone, AIF has organized 21 job fairs across 17 states, connecting 2,940 PwDs with 184 employers, achieving an impressive 80% placement rate for shortlisted candidates. Further amplifying these efforts, AIF's inclusive job portal, now integrated with the Divyangjan Rojgar Setu PM Daksh Portal, is expanding access to employment opportunities for millions of Unique Disability ID card holders across India. Beyond employment, AIF has also launched a 70-hour digital employability training program, developed in partnership with the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, to support young adults with disabilities. This fully accessible digital curriculum is tailored for individuals with visual, auditory, physical, and cognitive impairments, equipping them with long-term financial independence and workplace readiness. The first-ever DI-verse Certification Felicitation Ceremony at Purple Fest 2025 was more than a celebration--it was a turning point in India's disability inclusion movement. As businesses commit to fostering truly equitable workplaces, DI-verse is setting the gold standard for inclusive leadership, transforming intent into quantifiable action.
IOL News
02-05-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
'Women cannot be reduced to vulgar slurs': Deputy Minister Letsike condemns MacG's offensive remarks about Minnie Dlamini
Deputy Minister Letsike calls out MacG over 'vomitous' comments about Minnie Dlamini. Government to pursue legal and regulatory action to stop online abuse and defend women's rights in public discourse. Image: MacG. Picture: Instagram The Deputy Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Mmapaseka Steve Letsike, has condemned podcaster Macgyver 'MacG' Mukwevho over what she calls 'vomitous utterances' made against media personality Minnie Dlamini in a recent episode of Podcast and Chill. This follows the podcast host's crude speculation regarding the reasons behind Dlamini's past romantic break-ups, suggesting, 'maybe her coochie smells or something.' Letsike condemned this statement as 'nauseating in its vulgarity' and a violation of Dlamini's rights to freedom, security, equality, and human dignity. Letsike warned that such commentary is not just offensive, but constitutes a form of online gender-based violence as outlined in South Africa's National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide. 'This incident is not a harmless joke or casual banter – it is a harrowing demonstration of online gender-based violence,' she said. The Deputy Minister expressed disgust at what she described as a pattern of misogynistic behaviour from Mukwevho, adding that multiple women have reportedly initiated legal action against him. 'Women cannot be reduced to vulgar slurs and the objectification of the female body, as this is a damaging reinforcement of gender-based disrespect and consequently violence,' she said. Referencing South Africa's painful history of legally sanctioned patriarchy under apartheid, Letsike said, 'We hang our heads in shame. We have persons defending Mukwevho's utterances as correct within the context of a progressive democracy such as ours.' The Ministry commended the public backlash from some podcast followers and broader South African society. 'We are encouraged that within the ranks of South African society, we have persons who are sober in mind to call out abhorrent tendencies that are a distraction from achieving gender equality,' said Letsike. She also welcomed the condemnation from Moja Love, the channel that broadcasts Podcast and Chill, but urged them to take firm disciplinary action: 'The walk must match the talk, if we are to enact any meaningful and progressive social change.'
