A corporate first: Zain introduces ‘The Masters’, empowering 30 individuals with disabilities to create, shape their own experiences, and become leaders

24/11/2024

KUWAIT CITY, Nov 24: Zain Group, a leading provider of innovative technologies and digital lifestyle communications operating in eight markets across the Middle East and Africa, has launched ‘The Masters’ initiative, empowering 30 individuals with disabilities to create and shape their own experiences and giving them a stage to become leaders through a focus on four core impact areas: 1. Co-creating Zain’s Disability Inclusion strategy; 2. Embedding accessibility into all products and services; 3. The Learn and Lead program; and 4. Fostering voice and visibility.

This never-before-seen opportunity for people with disabilities soon follows Zain’s establishment in September, 2024, of the first Corporate Employee Resource Group (ERG) in the region, specifically for individuals with disabilities. Partnering with PurpleSpace — the networking and professional hub for disabled employees - this partnership signifies a commitment by Zain to create an ERG experience that goes beyond traditional practices, supported by the company’s top management.

Bader Al-Kharafi, Zain Vice-Chairman and Group CEO commented, “As a leading regional purpose driven entity, the introduction of The Masters is another one-of-its-kind initiative from Zain that underscores that disability is not merely a term, but an opportunity for people with disabilities to advocate, lead and act. Our mission is go beyond merely offering telecommunication services, as we focus on addressing deficits and challenges across our footprint and provide meaningful connectivity that leads to equitable systemic change. Throughout all the communities we serve, we intend to leave no one behind in terms of their ability to be as active and engaged in society as possible.”

Zain just completed a Learn and Lead program, holding a three-day training program for 15 Masters from across its eight markets of operation plus participants from Omantel. This program, conducted by The Butterfly, a UAE-based organization renowned for disability training, took place between November 12-14 and focused on Advocacy, Disability Awareness Self-Empowerment, Leadership, Public Speaking, and Presentation Skills.

Following the training, the 15 Masters are set to return to their respective operations and deliver the same training to employees in the lead up to, and post the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, which falls on December 3, 2024.

This first-of-its-kind program places disability at the forefront of Zain’s organizational and inclusion outlook, empowering individuals with disabilities to lead sessions, have their voices heard, and see their contributions recognized.

The Masters program envisages that employees who are blind, deaf, or with physical disabilities will be given the opportunity to train others at Zain and Omantel, on Advocacy, Disability Awareness Self-Empowerment, Leadership, Public Speaking, and Presentation Skills, giving them a stage and opportunity to lead and shape their own experiences.

Overall, the expected attendance for The Masters’ ‘Learn and Lead’ sessions is expected to reach approximately 1,000. Through this initiative, all the future Zain and Omantel Masters have the opportunity to advocate for themselves and others, sharing their experiences and becoming leaders wherever they are