JobXDubai

Since 2022, Hafsa Qadeer’s ‘ImInclusive‘ has been revolutionising employment for people of determination in the UAE. The Pakistani expat’s mission? To build a ‘LinkedIn‘ for individuals with disabilities.

A Personal Mission Turned Social Enterprise

Hafsa Qadeer, 29, left her day job in 2022 to pursue a larger goal: creating equal employment opportunities for people of determination. Her inspiration? Her younger brother Ahmed, who uses a wheelchair.

“I’d often think about Ahmed’s future job prospects. Would employers see past his wheelchair and recognise his talents?” Hafsa reflects.

ImInclusive: More Than Just a Job Platform

ImInclusive has evolved from a simple idea into a revenue-generating social enterprise. It offers:

1. An employability platform for job seekers with disabilities
2. Disability inclusion services for large-scale employers
3. CPD-certified training programmes for HR departments

“We help organisations develop strategies for building disability-inclusive businesses,” Hafsa explains. “Our data-driven approach shows that companies hiring people with disabilities experience 28% higher revenues.”

Milestones and Partnerships

ImInclusive has partnered with industry giants like Dnata and Chalhoub Group. In September 2024, they launched the UAE’s largest career fair for Emirati people of determination, part of the Atmah Programme, the GCC’s first Social Impact Bond.

400 Economic Opportunities and Counting

ImInclusive works with four primary disability classifications:

1. Hearing disabilities
2. Visual disabilities
3. Physical disabilities
4. Neurodivergence

“We’ve created 400 economic opportunities for people of determination,” Hafsa proudly states. These include full-time, part-time, and contractual roles, with options for remote work and event-based hiring.

Breaking Stigmas and Changing Perceptions

Hafsa emphasises the need to move away from the charity model of disability. “People of determination are adults—equal and capable—just like everyone else. They want to be recognised for their wholesome personalities,” she asserts.

Looking Ahead

ImInclusive has ambitious plans for the future:

• A major career fair in Abu Dhabi in April 2025
• Another fair in Dubai at the end of October 2024, inclusive of both Emiratis and expats

“We’ll keep breaking our own records, including people with disabilities actively in all processes, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible,” Hafsa concludes.