The renowned Italian fashion house, Prada, has made history by becoming the first luxury fashion company to join The Valuable 500, an international coalition aimed at promoting inclusivity for people with disabilities. The coalition, launched in 2019 by Irish activist Caroline Casey, aims to bring together 500 multinational companies with over 1,000 employees to prioritize disability on the global business agenda. The goal is for each member company to commit to at least one actionable plan to address the needs of individuals with disabilities in their professional environments.
The Valuable 500 encourages regular internal and external communication among its members to track progress and share best practices in fostering inclusivity. Prada’s Head of Corporate Social Responsibility, Lorenzo Bertelli, expressed his full support for The Valuable 500, stating, “I firmly believe in the value of diversity.” He also revealed that Prada is actively exploring opportunities for a long-term inclusion program.
Taking inspiration from LVMH’s recent collaboration with “Cafés Joyeux,” a café chain that employs individuals with Down Syndrome, Prada has pledged to hire individuals with Trisomy 21 (Down Syndrome) in its sales network in Italy. This move aligns with the growing recognition within the luxury industry of the importance of inclusivity and the need to provide equal opportunities for people with disabilities.
The fashion industry has long faced criticism for its lack of diversity, but initiatives like The Valuable 500 are driving change by encouraging companies to take tangible actions towards inclusivity. As one of the leading luxury fashion brands in the world, Prada’s decision to join this coalition marks a significant step forward in promoting inclusion and diversity within the industry.
To learn more about The Valuable 500 and their efforts, visit their official website here. Additionally, for further insights on disability inclusion in the fashion industry, refer to this informative article here.
