“Don’t Define Me by My Disability, See My Ability” – Bana’s Journey to Employment
In the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, where unemployment continues to challenge many young people, especially those living with disabilities, one young woman is redefining what’s possible — for herself and for others like her.
Bana Yasin, a determined and passionate young woman with a disability, grew up facing many of the same obstacles that thousands of youth encounter in their journey toward independence. Yet for Bana, the path has often been steeper.
“I faced constant barriers because of my disability. Before joining Sheyaw Organization’s Youth Training Program, I didn’t have the chance to gain skills or work experience, and finding employment felt impossible,” she recalls.
Like many of her peers, Bana struggled to find accessible opportunities for training or work. Limited options, social stigma, and physical barriers often made the idea of employment feel like a distant dream.
That changed when she was selected to participate in a six-month inclusive training program implemented by Sheyaw Organization. The initiative, which brings together 15 young people with and without disabilities, offers practical skills, career development, and confidence-building in a supportive, inclusive environment.
MERIT, as part of its commitment to social responsibility and creating shared value, has a memorandum of understanding with Sheyaw Organization to support such initiatives. This collaboration strengthens training programs and promotes inclusive opportunities that prepare young people — including those with disabilities — for the job market.
“Don’t define me by my disability, see my ability,” she says, smiling.
Throughout the training, Bana has developed new skills and discovered strengths she didn’t know she had. Whether it was learning how to communicate professionally, work as part of a team, or plan for her career goals, she found herself growing with every session.
“Through this training, I gained valuable skills, experience, and the confidence to raise my voice and pursue meaningful work. Now, I am ready and able to contribute in the workforce,” she shares.
Perhaps most importantly, her presence in the program is challenging stereotypes — not just about disability, but also about the role young women can play in society and the workforce.
As the program draws to a close, Bana is already planning her next steps. She is actively preparing to enter the job market, with a clear vision for her future and a deep sense of purpose.
“I hope to see more organizations and companies open doors for youth with disabilities by providing real employment opportunities and support. Inclusion is not just a goal, it’s a necessity,” she says.
Her story is a powerful reminder of the importance of inclusion, opportunity, and belief — in oneself and in each other. On International Youth Day, we celebrate Bana and countless other young people who are stepping forward, breaking barriers, and shaping a more just and inclusive future for all.
Jointly developed with Sheyaw Organization
Like many of her peers, Bana struggled to find accessible opportunities for training or work. Limited options, social stigma, and physical barriers often made the idea of employment feel like a distant dream.
That changed when she was selected to participate in a six-month inclusive training program implemented by Sheyaw Organization. The initiative, which brings together 15 young people with and without disabilities, offers practical skills, career development, and confidence-building in a supportive, inclusive environment.
MERIT, as part of its commitment to social responsibility and creating shared value, has a memorandum of understanding with Sheyaw Organization to support such initiatives. This collaboration strengthens training programs and promotes inclusive opportunities that prepare young people — including those with disabilities — for the job market.
“Don’t define me by my disability, see my ability,” she says, smiling.
Throughout the training, Bana has developed new skills and discovered strengths she didn’t know she had. Whether it was learning how to communicate professionally, work as part of a team, or plan for her career goals, she found herself growing with every session.
“Through this training, I gained valuable skills, experience, and the confidence to raise my voice and pursue meaningful work. Now, I am ready and able to contribute in the workforce,” she shares.
Perhaps most importantly, her presence in the program is challenging stereotypes — not just about disability, but also about the role young women can play in society and the workforce.
As the program draws to a close, Bana is already planning her next steps. She is actively preparing to enter the job market, with a clear vision for her future and a deep sense of purpose.
“I hope to see more organizations and companies open doors for youth with disabilities by providing real employment opportunities and support. Inclusion is not just a goal, it’s a necessity,” she says.
Her story is a powerful reminder of the importance of inclusion, opportunity, and belief — in oneself and in each other. On International Youth Day, we celebrate Bana and countless other young people who are stepping forward, breaking barriers, and shaping a more just and inclusive future for all.
Jointly developed with Sheyaw Organization