November IEE Workshop: The Significance of Inclusion within ESG
On 27 October 2025, we held the fourth workshop of Year 3 of the Inclusive Employment Ecosystem (IEE), generously hosted by Siemens Energy at their Expo City offices. As one of the earliest champions of the IEE, we remain deeply appreciative of their continued support and commitment to advancing inclusion in the region.
The workshop focused on the integral relationship between Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) frameworks and disability inclusion. After sharing updates from The Butterfly and upcoming initiatives, we welcomed our distinguished guest speaker, Rubeena Singh—author, speaker, and former external consultant at the UN International Labour Organisation (ILO). Rubeena provided a clear lens into how inclusion is embedded within ESG narratives, explored global reporting frameworks, highlighted current challenges, and presented two powerful case studies demonstrating how inclusive practices contribute to sustainable, future-ready societies.
Both Siemens Energy and Serco followed with thoughtful reflections on their inclusion journeys within an ESG context.
- Dr. Florian Koemm, VP and General Counsel for Africa and the Middle East, shared how Siemens Energy has incorporated inclusion across multiple ESG pillars and the insights gained from this work.
- Sonal Agrawal, Lead Environmental Consultant at Climatize (A Serco Company), presented Serco’s ESG framework and emphasized how DEI is integrated as a core pillar, outlining progress to date as well as commitments for the future.
The session was rich with learnings, practical examples, and strategic perspectives. We look forward to welcoming everyone back for the next IEE workshop as we continue to build a region-wide culture of inclusive employment.
The Butterfly team and attendees posing for a picture holding signs depicting IEE Members and various messages of POD empowerment at the November IEE Workshop in front of a black-purple background and various infrastructure in it. Text above reads ‘Changing the energy system…
Levelling Up Disability Inclusion with Etihad
On 17 November, we had the privilege of delivering an impactful disability awareness workshop at the Etihad Aviation Training Academy in Abu Dhabi. The session brought together staff from various departments who were eager to expand their understanding of disability and learn practical ways to foster inclusion in their day-to-day roles.
After a warm welcome from Sheriza Bazaari, Diversity, Integration & Belonging Lead at Etihad, the workshop began with a reflective discussion on what disability means to each of us. We then explored key topics including the legal landscape, global and regional demographics, and the historical shift from outdated models of disability to modern, rights-based approaches. The session concluded with a highly interactive segment on disability etiquette and a personal call to action.
A particularly meaningful aspect of the workshop was the participation of several People of Determination who generously shared their lived experiences, offering invaluable insights into the realities, strengths, and challenges of navigating the world with a disability. Their voices, combined with the passion and openness of Etihad’s staff, created a powerful learning environment.
This workshop marks an encouraging step in our continued collaboration with Etihad and their ongoing commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. We look forward to the opportunities ahead.
A Great Learning Opportunity with the Immersion Day
On 18 November, we were delighted to coordinate an Immersion Day with a leading luxury retail brand—an opportunity designed to give a Person of Determination (POD) hands-on exposure to real workplace environments and potential career pathways
Ahmed Reda, a Communications graduate, was nominated for this experience. He described the day as “truly inspiring and unforgettable.” Throughout the Immersion Day, Ahmed learned about communication strategies, campaign development, and the creative processes that drive world-class retail experiences. He observed team collaboration firsthand, gained insight into client relationship management, and discovered how the brand maintains its identity and excellence across all touchpoints.
One highlight was attending a workshop with an artisan, deepening his appreciation for craftsmanship and attention to detail. Ahmed shared that he “wished the immersion could have been longer,” reflecting his genuine engagement and eagerness to learn.
We are pleased that this Immersion Day was a resounding success and extend our warmest wishes to Ahmed as he continues his professional journey. We look forward to facilitating more opportunities like this in the future.
Supporting and Aiding Families Through the November Parent Community Sessions
Supporting families has been a core commitment of The Butterfly since our inception. Throughout November, we hosted a series of Parent Support Meetings designed to offer shared learning, emotional support, and practical strategies for daily life.
The month included four sessions:
6 November– “ADHD in Kids and Teens”
Led by Anna Kaminski (Founder and CEO of NeuroKinds, ADHD Coach & Counsellor), discussing and sharing valuable insights on ADHD in children and teenagers and strategies to help them thrive.
13 November– General Community Support Meeting
An open space for parents to share personal experiences, questions, and challenges.
20 November– “Supporting Socially Anxious Children and Empowering People of Determination”
Facilitated by Amira Hasson (Founder and CEO of The Journey), exploring how methods and insights when it comes to social anxiety in children, particularly POD and how we can empower them all.
27 November– “The Family Regulation Loop: How our Stress, Workdays and Relationships Shape our Children”
Led by Máire Crouchman (Founder and CEO of See Me Middle East), highlighting how parents’ stress and emotions directly affect children’s perception and lives as well as learning simple ways to create a more relaxed home.
These sessions continue to reinforce the importance of community-driven support, shared learning, and compassionate spaces for families raising children who are People of Determination.
W3C website