Guidebook Success for Disabled Employment Hinges on Business Adoption in Fiji

The success of Fiji's newly launched Guidebook on Employment for Persons with Disabilities hinges on its widespread adoption by businesses across the nation. While the document offers valuable recommendations, its true impact will only be realized if employers integrate its principles into their daily workplace practices.

Mere Roden, a tailoring business owner from Raiwai, expressed optimism about the guidebook's potential. She acknowledged that the changes might not be immediate but emphasized that the guide could significantly transform employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. "I think this is a good initiative, it’s a long-time thing, something that was supposed to happen way back," Roden commented, noting the progress made over the years.

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I think this is a good initiative, it’s a long-time thing, something that was supposed to happen way back, but then I guess changes just don’t happen overnight, work has progressed over the past years, which has progressed to what we’ve witnessed today.

Roden further explained that the guidebook provides essential direction for employers. However, she stressed that its effectiveness is contingent upon businesses' willingness to translate its recommendations into action. "The owners are on them to employ people with disabilities, there won’t be any excuses," she stated, highlighting the accountability now placed on employers.

The guidebook aims to equip employers with practical strategies for recruiting, supporting, and retaining employees with disabilities. Roden underscored that fostering inclusive workplaces is a collaborative effort, requiring commitment from both employers and employees. "It’s not just about getting people with disabilities employed, it’s also from the other end, I guess we’d have to work both ways," she concluded.

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I’m thankful and glad that this is happening, that we have a guidebook to guide employers, and now, it’s like the owners are on them to employ people with disabilities, there won’t be any excuses, and it’s not just about getting people with disabilities employed, it’s also from the other end, I guess we’d have to work both ways.