Sanofi launches a unique external training programme for persons with disabilities

The International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) is a crucial day that is celebrated annually on December 3.

Its primary objective is to promote a better understanding of disability issues and to mobilise support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities.

Sanofi, a Vorna Valley-based company, has taken a bold step in collaboration with its implementation partners by launching a unique external training programme for persons with disabilities, especially those from disadvantaged communities.

The programme, designed to break barriers to education post-matriculation, offers management training and entrepreneurship skills in areas such as financial literacy and marketing.

This initiative also supports people with post-matric qualifications striving for employment, enhancing their employability and professional growth.

Prudence Selani, head of corporate affairs at Sanofi South Africa, emphasised that: “Disability inclusion is critical to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and global health priorities to achieve health for all, as envisioned in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.”

Sanofi’s commitment to the 2023 theme, ‘United in Action to Rescue and Achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) For, With, and By Persons with Disabilities’, on this International Day of Persons with Disabilities, is laudable. Through various initiatives, Sanofi is celebrating its commitment to the cause.

As part of its commitment to Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE), Sanofi has ensured that 10% of learners on its Youth Employment Service (Y.E.S) programme are persons with disabilities. This move underlines Sanofi’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.

“Our partnerships with local and global organisations that are focused on disabilities will enable us to conduct workshops with leaders and employees, fostering a culture of understanding and empathy.

“Sanofi also emphasises employee wellness and mental health, offering extensive support and wellness programmes. These initiatives underscore our dedication to the well-being of all our employees.”

The World Health Organisation website states that an estimated 1.3b people experience significant disability worldwide, which represents 16% of the world’s population or one in six people. In South Africa, the figure is 15%, which translates to 8.9m people.

Sadly, persons with disabilities continually face many health inequities, including stigma, discrimination, poverty, and exclusion from education and employment.

They also face numerous barriers in all aspects of the health system, such as negative attitudes, discriminatory practises, and lack of information or data collection and analysis on disability.