Peru Launches Pact to Boost Formal Employment for People with Disabilities
Peru's Ministry of Labor and Employment Promotion (MTPE), along with the Ministry of Women and Vulnerable Populations (MIMP), the Ministry of Development and Social Inclusion (MIDIS), and the National Fund for Labor Training and Employment Promotion (FONDOEMPLEO), have launched a new strategy called "Peru Inclusivo: Pacto por la Promoción del Empleo para las Personas con Discapacidad." This initiative aims to significantly increase formal employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. The strategy is designed to facilitate access to formal jobs through coordinated efforts between the state and the private sector, integrating employability services, specialized training, and ongoing support to address existing barriers.
This pact builds on recent successes, with over 4,200 people with disabilities added to the electronic payroll and 1,693 more companies formalizing their hiring of disabled workers compared to 2022. A key component of the strategy is the "Inclusión Laboral con Empleo con Apoyo para Personas con Discapacidad" project, funded by FONDOEMPLEO with over S/ 1.7 billion. This project will train hundreds of individuals using Universal Design for Learning principles and implement Supported Employment methodologies, particularly for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism. The goal is to integrate approximately 400 individuals into formal employment within 18 months.
Minister of Labor Freddy Solano González emphasized that labor inclusion is a human right and a driver of productivity, not charity. The initiative seeks to break down barriers and foster a labor market where talent and equity prevail. The strategy also includes sharing information, coordinating services, and providing free technical assistance to companies for workplace accommodations. Projections indicate that by 2026, Lima alone will require nearly 5,000 jobs for people with disabilities, a demand the MTPE plans to meet through its specialized job bank and strengthened business partnerships.
This initiative represents a systemic effort to integrate a historically marginalized demographic into the formal economy, moving beyond compliance towards recognizing the productivity benefits of diversity. The strategy's focus on supported employment and universal design principles acknowledges the need for tailored approaches to overcome specific barriers. By fostering public-private partnerships and providing technical assistance to employers, the program aims to create sustainable employment pathways. Looking ahead, the success of such initiatives will depend on sustained investment, effective implementation across diverse regions, and the continuous adaptation of training and support mechanisms to evolving labor market demands, particularly in the context of increasing automation and the need for adaptable skill sets.
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