Creating Inclusive Workplaces for Persons with Disabilities in Ethiopia, Somalia, and South Sudan: Institutional Perspectives on Challenges and Prospects

Persons with disabilities face a lack of economic opportunities and challenges with inclusion in the workplace. Their challenges are more profound in developing countries, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa, denying them the opportunity to contribute to their personal development and communities. Despite increasing interest in the subject, comparative studies covering Ethiopia, Somalia, and South Sudan remain limited. Hence, this study attempted to explore workplace inclusivity in the three East African countries, employing an action research method and a systems approach. It deployed key informant interviews, workshops, focus group discussions, and document review to collect information from persons with disabilities and key stakeholders. The study identified challenges to inclusive workplaces, such as negative attitudes towards disability, insufficient inclusivity in workplaces and communities, a lack of supportive policies and financing, and poor leadership. It also highlighted opportunities for progress in promoting inclusive workplaces, including raising awareness, enhancing legislative support, increasing investment in inclusivity, and expanding training. The study highlights systems theory as a key framework in disability studies, enabling structured analysis of inclusion barriers and actionable guidance for stakeholders, and advocating for intersectional and context-specific research to advance inclusive, equitable, and sustainable workplaces for persons with disabilities.