As the sun rose over Shinyanga on the 25th of September, the excitement was palpable. It wasn’t just another day for this Tanzanian region; it marked the opening of the 11th annual International Week of the Deaf. A celebration that goes beyond recognition, this event stands as a testament to the global movement advocating for the rights of deaf people, culminating in a vibrant showcase of empowerment, inclusion, and progress.
In a world growing increasingly conscious of diversity and the need for inclusivity, the deaf community's fight for equality has taken center stage. This year’s theme, “Unite to Defend the Rights of Sign Language,” echoes with significance, reminding us that the only difference between the hearing and the deaf is the mode of communication. Sign language, a vital bridge for the deaf, is more than a tool—it’s an essential human right.
According to the Onespecial Place, the Seech Expert website, over 70 million deaf individuals live across the globe today. For them, sign language is not just a method of communication but an assertion of identity, culture, and dignity.
The World Federation of the Deaf (WFD), in partnership with national associations and affiliates such as the Tanzania Deaf Association (Chavita), has long spearheaded initiatives to promote this right, working in collaboration with the United Nations. As International Week of the Deaf sweeps across the world, the emphasis is clear: Human rights through sign languages must be recognized, respected, and integrated into all aspects of society.
In Shinyanga, Regional Commissioner Anamringi Macha’s message during the event’s opening struck a powerful chord. His directive to all local councils to allocate funds annually for the training of public relations officers in sign language is both timely and revolutionary.
“The government recognizes the importance of promoting sign language,” Macha declared. “Training institutions are available, and I am instructing all councils to budget for this every year so that communication barriers for the deaf can be dismantled.”
His words were not mere rhetoric; they marked a call to action. The urgency of ensuring that deaf people have access to proper services at all levels of society was underscored. From hospitals to police stations, schools to courts, the presence of sign language interpreters will no longer be optional—it is imperative.
Macha further emphasized the importance of enforcing the law that reserves 3% of jobs for people with disabilities, highlighting how crucial it is for councils to maintain accurate statistics of these communities to ensure they are employed in appropriate roles when opportunities arise.
But the focus of this year’s celebration went beyond access to public services. The grander vision was about leadership and political engagement. Macha urged people with disabilities to participate in the upcoming local government elections, both as candidates and voters, asserting that they possess the qualifications to lead.
"The disabled have every right to leadership, and many are outstanding leaders,” he said, driving home a message of empowerment that resonated deeply within the crowd. His words were a clarion call for inclusivity at every level of governance.
It wasn’t just government officials lending their voices to the cause. Selina Mremba, Chairperson of the Tanzania Deaf Association (Chavita), reiterated the need for sign language interpreters in public and private institutions alike. “Sign language is the primary tool of communication for the deaf. Without interpreters, we cannot access the same services as everyone else.” Her appeal reflected the broader global campaign led by the WFD to cement the status of sign languages as official languages, ensuring they are recognized not just as a secondary option but as an essential mode of communication in daily life.
This year’s celebration in Shinyanga was also marked by a partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which offered digital economy training for deaf individuals. UNDP representative Ghati Horombe’s speech encapsulated the day’s spirit. “For Tanzania to achieve sustainable development, all groups must be included,” she noted, reinforcing the idea that the nation's progress is intertwined with the inclusion of every citizen, regardless of their abilities.
For many, the true heart of the event lay in the voices of the community itself. Zawadi Masoud, Chairperson of the Deaf Association in Kahama, stood before the crowd and called for more than just symbolic support. Her words were direct: “We need interpreters in critical institutions like police stations, courts, and hospitals. Without them, how can we expect to access justice, healthcare, or education?”
As the grand finale of the International Week of the Deaf approaches on September 28 at Sabasaba Grounds, the spotlight will undoubtedly be on the resilience, achievements, and promises made to the deaf community. Yet, beyond the vibrant cultural activities and speeches lies a deeper message: the global commitment to empowering the deaf with tangible skills that enable them to thrive in the workforce and society.
The International Labour Organization (ILO) has long emphasized the importance of vocational training for people with disabilities, including those with hearing impairments. In its 2015 recommendations, the ILO advocated for skills that extend beyond basic education, pushing for foundational, technical, and entrepreneurial abilities that can translate directly into employment. These skills, when tailored to market demands, can open pathways for deaf individuals to access meaningful work, an area often overlooked in broader employment studies.
For decades, the ILO has been at the forefront of this advocacy, with landmark documents like the Vocational Rehabilitation Recommendation of 1955 (No. 99) and the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Convention of 1983 (No. 159) setting the framework for vocational training that includes people with disabilities. These policies mandate that authorities provide equal access to skills training for the disabled, using general services with necessary adaptations to ensure inclusion. This approach is not just about equality; it’s about equipping the deaf community with the tools they need to succeed in an ever-evolving job market.
The International Week of the Deaf is not just a celebration; it is the heartbeat of a global movement for equality, pushing for the recognition of sign language as a fundamental human right. In this fight, cities like Milan have led by example. Over a century ago, Milan was at the center of a significant debate on deaf education, but it has since made remarkable strides by recognizing the cultural and linguistic rights of the deaf community. Its journey has become a milestone, inspiring countries worldwide to strengthen their stance on deaf rights.
Tanzania, too, is making progress. Some television stations have become champions of accessibility, placing interpreters in nearly every major program, ensuring that no one is left out. Meanwhile, institutions like Tengeru Teachers' College in Monduli, Njombe School for the Deaf, and Tabora Deaf School are reshaping the future, equipping generations with the skills to communicate, thrive, and lead. These institutions are game-changers in a country where the need for inclusive education is being increasingly recognized.
Uganda also stands out for its dedication to the deaf community, with Kampala International University running a special education program that truly understands and caters to the needs of the deaf. The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania, through its Sebastian Kolowa Memorial University, is another force driving change, ensuring that the deaf are given the tools to lead fulfilling lives. At Mugeza Primary School for the Deaf in Bukoba, Kagera Region, the efforts to empower young deaf children are laying the foundation for a more inclusive Tanzania.
The road ahead may be long, but these efforts—from Milan to Shinyanga, from Tanzania to Uganda—prove that the world is waking up to the need for true inclusivity. It is only by uniting to defend the rights of sign language that we can break down barriers and ensure that the deaf community is not just seen, but heard and valued.
