Doha: With inclusivity taking centre stage for social progress, Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) offered a multidisciplinary perspective on institutional and legal policy frameworks to advance disability rights in its three-part “Inclusion Seminar Series”.
A series of apt discussions, jointly organised by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHSS) and College of Public Policy (CPP), aimed to provide a platform for researchers, policy-makers, practitioners, advocates, students and the community to contribute to the depth discussions on dimensions of inclusion to help practitioners and policymakers design and deliver effective programs and policies.
Featuring discussions by Dr. Anis Ben Brik, Associate Professor and Founding Director of the Program for Social Policy Evaluation and Research (PROSPER) at CPP, the sessions aimed to educate, inspire, encourage discussion and disseminate findings from research on inclusion in the Middle East and North Africa and to discuss its implications for public policy. Dr. Josélia Neves, Professor and Associate Dean for Social Engagement and Access at CHSS, moderated the discussions.
The first seminar, “Disability Rights in the MENA Region: Opportunities and Challenges”, on Sept 22 provided an overview of trends related to disability in the Middle East and North Africa, including disability prevalence, institutional and legal frameworks on disability, and access to education and employment. It also discussed opportunities and possible challenges in framing issues relating to disability in terms of rights.
The second seminar, “Inclusive Social Protection Systems for Women with Disabilities in the Arab Region”, on Oct 20 explored policy recommendations for building inclusive social protection schemes that prevent the marginalisation of women with disabilities.
The third seminar, “Children with Disabilities in the MENA Region: No Child Left Behind”, on Nov 3 sought to enhance the understanding of the challenges facing disabled children and their families. Dr. Ben Brik discussed aspects such as barriers to policy development, inclusion policies, and the regional programs and support systems to advance their inclusion and wellbeing.
