The National Association of Deaf Women (RNADW) will celebrate the International Week of Deaf People (IWDP) from September 23 to 26, under a theme which aims to honor Rwanda's achievements in advancing the rights of deaf women and girls, while celebrating Rwandan sign language and the deaf community, according to officials.

The celebration kicks off Monday, September 23, at YEGO Kimisagara Main Hall, where participants include young people and deaf women across Kigali, in an event featuring the launch of sign language classes and visits to vocational programmes offered to deaf young women at YEGO center.

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According to Pelagie Muhoracyeye, the chairperson of the National Association of Deaf Women, one of the key highlights of the event will be the conversation on unlocking the employment potential of deaf young women, a discussion intended to raise awareness on the barriers deaf women face in securing job opportunities.

"The event seeks to engage key stakeholders in dialogue about creating more inclusive employment opportunities for deaf women and girls in Rwanda,” she said.

"And, on September 26, inter-district Sexual Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) theatre competition will take place at YEGO Kimisagara, where 60 adolescent girls and young women from SRHR clubs in Huye and Nyarugenge districts will showcase their knowledge and skills through performances in Rwanda Sign Language (RSL).”

This competition will provide a fun and expressive platform for raising awareness about SRHR issues while educating the public, parents, and other young women, she said.

Muhoracyeye said that the key objectives of the week-long event include combatting stereotypes, aiming to break down prejudices, and harmful practices related to being deaf, women, and the use of sign language.

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"Promoting SRHR awareness, a critical focus will be on promoting positive perceptions and greater social awareness of deaf women and girls' Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) and unlocking employment opportunities where the vocational skills of deaf young women will ultimately increase their access to employment opportunities.”

As noted, the outcomes expected from this week include increased community awareness of the SRHR needs of deaf women and girls, leading to better inclusion in public health initiatives.

"Strengthened collaboration between key government institutions, development partners, and the deaf community, promoting sustained advocacy for the rights of deaf women and girls, is another objective we are looking forward to,” said Muhoracyeye.