Around 10% of Lebanon's population are people with disabilities, yet many remain excluded from the workforce, not because of a lack of ability, but because of barriers to opportunity.
This explainer explores how Agonista, a social enterprise that began as a café in 2018, has evolved into an initiative promoting inclusive employment by training people with intellectual disabilities and helping employers create more inclusive workplaces.
The video also highlights Lebanon's National Strategy for the Rights and Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities (2026–2030), which places inclusive employment at the heart of a broader vision for equal access, participation, and social justice.
While important progress has been made, challenges such as stigma, economic pressures, inaccessible infrastructure, and transportation continue to limit opportunities. Building a more inclusive labor market requires collaboration between government, municipalities, the private sector, and civil society.
Inclusive employment is more than a social responsibility, it strengthens the economy, reduces inequality, and creates a more sustainable future for everyone.
