My first step towards empowering these persons with hearing impairment was my moment of hope.

Am 3rd out of a family of eight girls. My junior sister was born with a hearing impairment. Back in the 80s there were no special need schools in the community where we lived and so she was forced to go to a regular school where she faced a lot of challenges with communication as there were no sign language interpreters. Upon completion of her primary education she was forced to drop out of school. She then trained in different skills (hair dressing, knitting and sewing). This was because my parents did not want to keep her at home at that tender age.

When she was matured enough a shop was set for her at her request. That really empowered her economically. She would identify her peers with hearing impairment, encourage them to be self reliant and even paid for some to learn a trade. We really became family as they all would spend a lot of time in our family home. I personally admired their uncomplaining attitude and determination of especially the girls to work hard for a better future .Even as a young girl I would stand up for their rights in the community especially when I felt they were discriminated against.

            Upon her passing away, I felt the pain, her absence, but I was very determined to continue her legacy. Even as a nursing mother I enrolled into a teacher’s training college where i trained as special need teacher after which I volunteered at a special need school to enable me enhance my skills in sign language. I also volunteered as sign language interpreter so as to get these persons with hearing impairment included and also have access to information.

My main challenge now was how to get them get some basic skills as a source of economic empowerment. Many of the girls were becoming victims of gender based violence as they struggled to provide for their basic needs. Then came the political crisis and the situation became worst. Many more IDPs who were hearing impaired moved from the rural areas into town. The situation was becoming too much for me to handle. Worst still the women empowerment center refused enrolling them as they complain they did not have resources to handle their communication needs despite the fact that I opted to offer my services.

I decided it was time for me to take actions.

First I registered a community based organization. Then I trained in income generating activities such as production of beaded sandals and slippers, then soap making and frying of some fast food. It became easier and cheaper for me to group them depending on their area of interest and train them. Meanwhile some had already had skills in hair dressing and sewing.

As the situation worsened I decided I would raise funds to help especially the girls. I spoke to my family and friends. Then came the moment of hope. My sister decided to exchange all her birth day gifts of her 50th anniversary for money so she could raise funds as startup capital for some of the girls. My little daughter gave up her school launch for two months as her own share of contribution. We were able to buy and give out some items as start- up capital to some girls and two boys .It was such an emotional moment for me, I couldn’t hold back my tears as my happiness overflowed. I saw hope in the eyes of all the beneficiaries. That was my moment of hope. I became so determined to do more for these my sisters who are almost excluded in their homes and community due to the myth which still surround disabilities. I would forever be thankful to my sister and friends for their selflessness. I also thank God for the sisterhood I experience in world pulse as I read and learn from your experiences as we all engage in taking steps towards generation equality.