Inclusion Isn’t Charity: Unpacking Employment Barriers for Marginalized Groups in Nigeria’s Tech Sector
A recent Jobberman Nigeria report paints a concerning picture of employment inequality, revealing that a vast majority of Nigerian employers actively exclude marginalized groups from their recruitment processes. This finding, stemming from a study presented at the Technology and Employment Inclusion in Marginalised Contexts Roundtable in Abuja, underscores significant challenges facing women from disadvantaged communities, persons with disabilities, and internally displaced persons (IDPs) in accessing digital employment opportunities within the country’s burgeoning tech sector and beyond.
Bridging the Gap: Addressing Systemic Exclusion
The report’s findings highlight that approximately 72% of formal sector employers make no deliberate attempts to promote inclusion. Furthermore, a staggering 90% do not proactively seek to hire individuals from marginalized groups, particularly persons with disabilities (PWDs). Skill assessment methods and transportation barriers emerge as key factors contributing to this exclusion. This is particularly relevant in the African tech landscape, where digital skills are increasingly vital for economic participation. Such exclusion isn’t merely a matter of ethics; it represents a significant loss of potential talent and innovation. Addressing these systemic issues demands a shift from seeing inclusion as charitable act to recognizing its inherent value in strengthening the workforce and contributing to a more equitable society.
In conclusion, the Jobberman Nigeria report serves as a critical wake-up call. To unlock the full potential of the Nigerian and, more broadly, the African tech sector, businesses must move beyond superficial gestures and embrace genuine inclusion. By proactively addressing barriers like skills assessment and transportation, and by recognizing the inherent value in diversity, we can create an environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. True progress hinges on understanding that inclusion is not charity, but a fundamental driver of innovation, growth, and social justice.
Keywords
Related Keywords: Inclusion not charity, inclusive practices, diversity and inclusion, equity not charity, social inclusion, belonging, inclusive leadership, accessibility, equal opportunities, anticharity approach
