Standard Chartered continues to empower persons with disabilities (PWDs) through its flagship Ready for Inclusive Sustainable Employment and Entrepreneurship (RISE/E) programme. Delivered in partnership with Sightsavers Ghana, the initiative equips young entrepreneurs and job seekers, particularly women and PWDs, with employability skills.

At a session held at the Bank’s headquarters last week, participants received practical training on interview preparation, including dos and don’ts for succeeding in today’s competitive job market. Breakout sessions followed, allowing participants to engage directly with mentors on their career aspirations and pathways to employment. The programme underscores the Bank’s belief that sustainable inclusion goes beyond technical skills to nurture confidence, resilience, and professional excellence.

This effort builds on Standard Chartered’s broader track record of initiatives aimed at enhancing employability and career readiness for PWDs. Last year, the Bank hosted a two-day Career Fair in partnership with leading organisations, providing more than 60 PWD candidates and 20 entrepreneurs with skills in CV writing, personal branding, interview techniques, and entrepreneurship, while also connecting them with employers committed to inclusive work environments.

The Bank also championed Career Connect workshops through the Ghana Business and Disability Network (GBDN), which it chairs, offering tailored career guidance and placement opportunities. In addition, PWD entrepreneurs have been supported through entrepreneurship fairs that create opportunities to showcase and sell their products.

Standard Chartered’s leadership in disability inclusion has also been recognised on the global stage, with the Bank representing Ghana at the International Labour Organisation’s Global Business and Disability Network Conference in Geneva in 2024, following its election as the inaugural Chair of the Ghana BDN.

The Standard Chartered Foundation has further committed to investing $650,000 in cedi equivalent over three years to scale the growth and impact of this important initiative.

By equipping PWDs with the skills, networks, and confidence to thrive, the Bank is not only advancing workplace inclusion but also shaping a workforce that reflects the diversity and resilience.