Work is a defining element of human existence. It is the way humans survive and meet basic
needs. It is also an activity through which people affirm their identity in relation to themselves and in relation to those around them. Work is crucial for individual choice, the well-being of families and the stability of societies.
Out of over 7 billion people in the world, more than one billion people, approximately 15% of the world’s population, live with some form of disability where 80% live in developing countries. Persons with disabilities (PWD) are defined as persons who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments which, in interaction with various barriers, may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others.
In Burkina Faso, there are over three million persons living with disabilities, representing 6.48% of the total population, and the journey towards inclusive employment for youth with disabilities is marked by both challenges and triumphs. This story highlights the ongoing efforts to enhance the employability of these individuals, focusing on a research initiative led by Dr. Endpanga Rodrigue KABORE. The Education Collaborative funded the research as part of efforts towards improving careers and employability for Africa’s youth, including those with disabilities. The research profiles the employment characteristics of youth with disabilities in Ouagadougou, Koudougou, and Bobo Dioulass and uncovers vital insights into their educational and employment landscapes.
Understanding the Landscape
Burkina Faso is home to approximately 3.2 million people living with disabilities, constituting about 6.48% of the total population. Despite legal frameworks aimed at promoting their rights, such as Law 012-2010 on the protection and promotion of persons with disabilities, significant barriers persist. The research reveals that youth with disabilities face considerable challenges in accessing education and employment opportunities. For instance, only 27% of individuals with disabilities have access to education compared to 31% of those without disabilities, highlighting a stark disparity that affects their employability.
The Research Initiative
Dr. KABORE’s research aims to analyze the educational levels and employment opportunities available to youth with disabilities in three major cities. By employing a mixed-methods approach, the study investigates various factors influencing their employability, including types of disabilities, educational attainment, and job market dynamics. The findings indicate that youth with disabilities often find themselves in precarious employment situations, with many relegated to low-skilled jobs that offer little security.
Key Findings
1. Educational Attainment: A significant percentage of youth with disabilities lack formal education, which severely limits their job prospects.
2. Employment Challenges: Many are employed in informal sectors or face long periods of unemployment due to discrimination and a lack of accessible job opportunities.
3. Government Initiatives: Recent laws mandate that enterprises employing over 50 people must reserve 5% of jobs for persons with disabilities, yet compliance remains an issue.
Voices from the Community
The research focused on statistics and captured personal stories from youth with disabilities who share their experiences navigating a challenging landscape. From their current jobs to hopes and dreams, the persons profiled in this research had these to say.
“Despite my qualifications, I often feel overlooked in job applications because of my disability.”
“I just want to be well-integrated into society”
“I already thank my employer for his trust because it was not easy ”
My heart cry is to ask able-bodied people to also consider us as their equals. ”
“I sell call credit cards and also cigarettes and lotus.”
“I want to say that the person living with a disability must also be considered like any other person
I know that if I didn’t have this handicap and also if I had gone to school, I wouldn’t be here. But I also thank God for giving me the ability to weave my loin cloths and resell them”
Such testimonies underscore the urgent need for greater societal awareness and advocacy to combat stigma and promote inclusivity.
Moving Forward
The findings from this research are crucial for informing policy decisions and developing targeted interventions aimed at improving the educational and employment outcomes for youth with disabilities in Burkina Faso.
Read the full research paper here.
