Under the prestigious patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God glorify him, a national conference focused on the integration of people with disabilities in the private sector was held on Tuesday, December 19, 2023, in Rabat. Named “All for the Integration of People with Disabilities,” this conference brought together notable figures such as the Governor of Bank Al-Maghrib, Khaled Ait Taleb, the Minister of Health and Social Protection, Ryad Mezouar, the Minister of Industry and Commerce, Mrs. Aouatif Hayar, the Minister of Solidarity and Social Integration and Family, as well as Chakib Laalaj, President of the General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises.
The objective of this national conference is to strengthen collaboration among social actors in general and to promote the integration of people with disabilities in the private sector in particular. Emphasizing the added value of the private sector, it served as a platform for exchanging experiences, encouraging new companies to engage in integration projects.
The opening session was marked by the signing of eight framework agreements and partnerships between the Ministry of Solidarity and Social Integration and Family, the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, the General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises, as well as several private companies and civil organizations committed to defending the rights of disabled individuals. These agreements aim to facilitate the socio-professional integration of this category of people.
Nadia Attia, President of the National Union of Associations Active in the Field of Mental Disabilities, highlighted the success of an experimental employment model for people with mental disabilities within private sector companies, involving more than 30 young individuals.
She advocated for the establishment of a contractual framework between the state and the private sector to define a percentage of paid jobs reserved for people with disabilities. She concluded by emphasizing that sustainable development depends on robust economic growth, highlighting the importance of equity for inclusive development.
On her part, Aouatif Hayar, Minister of Solidarity and Social Integration and Family, affirmed that this conference aligns with efforts to strengthen the foundations of the social state. She underscored its alignment with royal directives aimed at reinforcing the pillars of the social state, with particular attention to vulnerable categories, including people with disabilities. .
She also highlighted that the conference’s objectives are consistent with various workshops and programs launched by the Kingdom, including the royal workshops for social protection.
Khaled Ait Taleb, Minister of Health and Social Protection, emphasized His Majesty King Mohammed VI’s ongoing commitment to people with disabilities, emphasizing the preservation of their rights and the improvement of their social and professional conditions, as well as their integration at all levels of social life. He discussed the ministry’s involvement in diversifying and expanding training in the field of rehabilitation, covering physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and psychomotor therapy.