actions in Guyana to fight against prejudices and ignorance

“In general, employers have a false idea of ​​disability, Vanina Cippe, coordinator of Cap Emploi Guyane, immediately explains. They immediately imagine a wheelchair, a lot of workstation adjustments, a lot of absenteeism, and medical appointments, when not at all!”

On the occasion of the 28^th European week for the employment of people with disabilities, a café debate was organized on Monday, November 18, in the “21 Gaufrement bon” café-restaurant in Rémire-Montjoly. This adapted company has been recruiting and training people with disabilities for a year.

Organized by Cap Emploi Guyane and Agefiph, the Association for the management of funds for the professional integration of disabled people, this event aimed to demystify clichés among employers and overcome the obstacles to hiring. Around ten employers were present.

“They tell us their fears and the image they may have about recruiting a person with a disability, explains Vanina Cippe, coordinator of Cap Emploi Guyane. It's then up to us to provide them with information to facilitate hiring.”

Vanina Cippe notes that “prejudices die hard for some employers”, but in general “it’s mostly ignorance”relate-t-elle.

We explain to employers that people have a life path. Before having disabilities, these people have skills.

Vanina Cippe, coordinator of Cap Emploi Guyane

During this coffee debate, Cap Emploi and Agefiph were able to present the point of view of those mainly concerned. “People with disabilities often fear not getting a position, not accessing the desired advancement or the same level of pay.notes Yann Jolivet, territorial coordinator for Agefiph. There is also the fear of losing one's job when the disability manifests itself during professional life, which happens in the majority.”

In this case, we must also support employers so that they get their employees to declare themselves. “Given all these fears, some employees do not declare themselves disabled workers”deplores Yann Jolivet.

Because in Guyana, depending on the community, disability can be a taboo subject, she explains.

There is a cultural impact on the perception of disability which can be hidden, covered up, protected. We try to help these people access their rights to have a fulfilling professional life.

Yann Jolivet, territorial facilitator for Agefiph

Territorial facilitator for Agefiph, Yann Jolivet describes “a fairly proud population which compensates a lot for itself and believes that 'they have always done it like this'. “But these people are told that they can also make their lives easier, she adds. Tomorrow, with age or worsening of the pathology, there will be an obligation to plan.”

Planning sometimes means adapting workstations. This point was also discussed during the coffee debate. “There is a lot of compensation so we rely on what exists, we mobilize the necessary systems and we support employers”explains Vanina Cippe, coordinator of Cap Emploi Guyane.

According to Agefiph, 125 disabled job seekers found employment in the first half of 2024 in Guyana. The overall employment rate of people with disabilities in Guyana is 2.05% in the private sector and 4.41% in the various public functions.