HBKU’s Inclusion Seminar Series Focuses on Social Protection for Persons with Disabilities

With inclusivity taking center 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 organized 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 September 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 October 20 explored policy recommendations for building inclusive social protection schemes that prevent the marginalization of women with disabilities. “ 

The third seminar, “Children with Disabilities in the MENA Region: No Child Left Behind”, on November 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. 

Dr. Neves, who has led collaborative projects in various fields in an effort to provide access to persons with disabilities, commented after the webinar: “Throughout the series, we discussed and affirmed the role of education and research initiatives - and areas that HBKU experts are focusing on - to ensure that persons with disability are treated as equals in rights and opportunities, to enjoy better livelihoods and play an active role in society. Dr. Brik’s policy-informed perspectives were particularly insightful and highlighted issues for further dialogue through HBKU’s Inclusion Series.” 

Dr. Ben Brik added: “Bringing several disciplines together in our Inclusion Seminar Series has ensured dynamic exchanges that shed light on relevant experiences, lessons learned, and best practices around the region. It was valuable to engage around the practical application of social inclusion in policy and institutional design to support policy commitments. Thank you to Dr. Neves and all our participants who shared different experiences.”

For more information on the programs and research initiatives of the College of Public Policy, please visit cpp.hbku.edu.qa and the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, please visit chss.hbku.edu.qa