Strongim Bisnis hosted a business networking event to celebrate the contribution that People Living With Disability (PLWD) make in the labour market.
The event was held in collaboration with the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) on 6 December 2019. The event focused on a panel discussion about the obstacles PLWD face in seeking employment or running businesses. It also highlighted the contributions PLWD make to the economy as business owners, and the benefits businesses may experience when they employ PLWD.
Panellists included representatives of People with Disabilities Solomon Islands, Jabis Ngibutai and Sussie Dete and Principal of Bethesda, Gideon Row. The panel also involved employers of PLWD such as General Manager for Kokonut Solomon Islands, Bob Pollard and General Manager for M&J Enterprise, Mary Elizabeth Ramosaea. In addition, PLWD were invited to share their experiences with the audience.
The aim of the evening was to showcase the important contribution PLWD make when engaged in the workforce, and to discuss ways to overcome obstacles that may prevent this engagement. Australian High Commission Second Secretary for Economics, Cass Grant said “The Australian Government promotes disability inclusion as part of its international development program. We are pleased to partner with the Solomon Islands Government to support disability inclusiveness.”
Over 100 people attended the evening, which was held as part of SICCI’s series of industry networking events called “Business After 5”. Strongim Bisnis concluded the evening with a challenge to the business community. It challenged entrepreneurs to start up or run existing businesses that employ or support PLWD to engage in the labour market. In return, Strongim Bisnis would consider those businesses for specialised mentoring and business support to help the businesses succeed.
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