Al Moasron Group: Empowering Disability Rights

On December 3, 2024, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) will focus on the theme, “Amplifying the Leadership of Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future.” This theme emphasizes the importance of including persons with disabilities in decision-making and highlights their role in creating a more inclusive and sustainable world.

Disability rights are gaining global attention as a critical aspect of human rights and social justice, with efforts aimed at integrating individuals with disabilities into society and the workforce.

However, challenges such as stigma, inaccessibility, and limited employer awareness persist. Despite these obstacles, businesses like Jordan’s Al Moasron for Woven Bags Manufacturing are leading by example, highlighting a strong commitment to inclusivity. Al Moasron not only fulfills ethical obligations but also demonstrates how inclusion fosters sustainability and innovation

The Situation in Jordan

Under Jordanian Labour Law, businesses are required to employ a minimum percentage of people with disabilities as part of their workforce to promote inclusion in the workplace. Companies with 25 to 50 employees must hire at least one person with a disability, while those with more than 50 employees are required to ensure that at least 4% of their workforce comprises individuals with disabilities. The Ministry of Labour monitors compliance with these regulations.

While this legal framework represents a positive step forward, the broader challenge lies in moving beyond formal compliance to achieve genuine inclusion. Unfortunately, in many cases, individuals with disabilities remain marginalized, with limited efforts made to ensure that workplace environments meet their unique needs. Challenges in implementing the law have also led to employment rates falling below the mandated thresholds, underscoring the need for sustained efforts to foster true inclusion.

Al Moasron for Woven Bags: A Beacon of Inclusion

Al Moasron for Woven Bags Manufacturing has set a new benchmark in disability inclusion within Jordan. The factory employs 127 workers, 11 of whom are youth with different visible and invisible disabilities. Remarkably, this inclusion is not driven by legal compliance but by a deep-seated commitment to equity and empowerment. The factory’s management has demonstrated that providing meaningful employment to people with disabilities is not only morally right but also strategically beneficial.

Ms. Hadeel Abu Soufeh, the Factory General Manager and Owner, underscores the company’s philosophy: “Their performance is equal to those of their peers. Sometimes they excel their peers.” This powerful statement reflects the company’s recognition of the unique talents and capabilities that people with disabilities bring to the workplace.

Creating an Inclusive Environment

At Al Moasron, inclusion is not just a policy—it is a practice ingrained in the company’s operations. The management is keen on enforcing reasonable accommodation, ensuring that every employee can thrive in his or her role. Key measures include:

1. Transportation Services: The Company provides transportation to and from employees’ homes, removing a significant barrier to workplace participation for many individuals with disabilities.
2. Collaborative Work Culture: Employees with disabilities work side by side with their peers in an integrated setting, fostering camaraderie and mutual respect.
3. Supportive Management: Management actively monitors and supports employees’ needs to ensure that they feel valued and empowered.
4. Job Satisfaction: Employees with disabilities report high levels of job satisfaction, reflecting the inclusive and supportive environment cultivated by the company.

Moving Beyond Compliance

While Jordanian Labor Law sets a baseline for the employment of people with disabilities, Al Moasron has demonstrated that inclusion is about more than meeting quotas. It is about unlocking potential, creating opportunities, and building a workplace culture that values diversity in all its forms.

A Model for Others

Al Moasron’s commitment to inclusion serves as an inspiring example for other businesses in Jordan and beyond. By focusing on the strengths and abilities of people with disabilities, rather than their limitations, the company has cultivated a workforce that is both diverse and highly productive. Ms. Hadeel Abu Soufeh’s leadership exemplifies how businesses can champion social responsibility while achieving operational excellence.

The Way Forward

Globally and locally, more organizations must follow the lead of companies like Al Moasron for Woven Bags. Inclusion is not just a matter of compliance but an opportunity to build stronger, more dynamic communities and economies. By prioritizing reasonable accommodation, fostering inclusive cultures, and recognizing the value that individuals with disabilities bring, we can create a more equitable and prosperous future for all.