Menstrual hygiene training for Deaf Girls in progress

Due to poverty, ignorance, and gaps within the education policies to benefit deaf girls, the majority are never enrolled in school, and thus, there are high prevailing rates of illiteracy. This has many negative consequences on deaf girls’ rights; for instance, if they cannot count, then it is hard for them to independently operate any business, however small it may be, as they are unable to count money. On the other hand, if their rights are violated and they have literacy skills, they are able to report to authorities by writing down what was done to them, and this is not possible for an illiterate deaf girl. Service providers (health workers, teachers, police, and members of the local council) pose for the photo with their certificates shortly after concluding a four-day training in April 2022. From left to right is Ms. Sarah Nabatanzi, representative of parents of deaf girls. Rehema Namarome is the Chief Executive Officer of Deaf Girls Rescue. Ms. Samali, the inspector of schools in charge of special education, and Mr Wamala, the senior inspector of schools in Wakiso District, who was the chief guest during the closure of the training.

To facilitate effective advocacy, evidence-based data/information is paramount. This program therefore focus on collection, documentation and dissemination of information in regard to deaf girls rights (education, health, access to justice, among others).Deaf girls and members of their house holds after the 3 days training in basic sign language communication training in April 2022

Sex education for girls here in Uganda is done in school and at home. The educators are teachers and peers, parents, especially mothers, and other family members like the paternal aunties and big sisters. Due to a communication barrier, the deaf girls miss out on this and have faced many negative consequences. It is important to note that sex abuse is one of the most common violence faced by deaf girls here in Uganda, and the perpetrators walk away without punishment. This program teaches deaf girls about puberty, personal care and hygiene, HIV/AIDS, and personal safety (including avoiding defilement/rape), and what to do in case one becomes a victim. Deaf girls who benefited from mattresses distributed by the Wakiso District Local Government during the celebration to mark the International Day of the Disabled in December 2021

The majority of deaf girls are born in poor families. The cost of living is too high for them, and they can hardly afford the basic necessities of life. DGR works to address this challenge amongst the deaf girls and their households through training and linking them to existing economic opportunities/resources. This includes the special grant for persons with disabilities and the National Disability Grant. Poverty has played a big role in contributing to the rights violations against deaf girls. Putting in place easy strategies to overcome it for deaf girls and their families goes a long way in enhancing their enjoyment of their rights.

A team that was tasked with baking and preparing snacks for sale. This was composed by deaf girls and members of their households.

Adequate data on deaf people, including deaf girls is almost non-existent. One may assume that deep at the grassroots levels the community leaders (Local Council I chairpersons) have data on the deaf people/girls in their community. It is surprising to note that majority are ignorant of their existence within communities of their jurisdiction. Other alternative way of mobilizing them could be use of community radios which DGR has also utilized. Surprisingly not even one family of the deaf will heed to the information because of stigma. So the most effective method is moving from one home to another looking for the deaf girls and that is what DGR is currently doing. However, it is so tiring and expensive in terms of resources like money and time. Staff and the board of trustees of Deaf Girls Rescue shortly after developing a 5-year strategic plan.

Deaf Girls do not physically live in their own world. Communication barriers have greatly contributed to rights violations against the deaf girls. Bridging the communication gap amongst the deaf girls and between them and the hearing community is instrumental for them to realize their rights. The best way to do this is to train them and their key stakeholders, especially their parents/guardians, in Ugandan Sign Language communication skills. In so doing, they are able to communicate what they desire to their household members or key service providers either directly (if the service provider knows Uganda Sign Language) or indirectly with the use of sign language interpretation services.

Deaf girls and members of their households pose for a photo after training in basic sign language in 2020. This was the first group that was trained.