Project Launch by the Guest of Honor: Hon. Mary Gaspar Makondo, on behalf of HE Hon. Ambassador Dr. Pindi Hazara Chana, officially launches the project.
On July 12, 2024, the American Corner Hall at the National Museum in Dar es Salaam hosted the launch of our project: "Empowering Deaf and Hard of Hearing Women in Tanzania: A Campaign for Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Awareness." This event marked a significant step in advocating for the accessibility and inclusion of deaf and hard-of-hearing persons in Tanzania.
The project was launched by Mrs. Mary Makondo, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Constitutional and Legal Affairs, representing the guest of honor, HE Hon. Ambassador Dr. Pindi Hazara Chana, the Minister of Constitutional and Legal Affairs. In her address, Mrs. Makondo outlined the government's expectations for the project, emphasizing its potential impact on the Tanzanian judicial system. She noted that the Ministry and the government see this project as a means to improve conflict management and resolution. By promoting mediation and ADR methods, the initiative aims to reduce the backlog of cases from the courts of law and improve the efficiency of the judicial process. Mrs. Makondo also highlighted the project's role in advising government institutions and leaders on resolving conflicts involving people with disabilities.
Erick Mukiza, Executive Director of ESS Creative & Legal Foundation and a permanent court-certified mediator in Tanzania, spoke on the project's objectives and action plan. He explained that while studies across Africa have demonstrated the benefits of resolving conflicts outside the courtroom for women, deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals in Tanzania have largely been excluded from these benefits. The project seeks to address this disparity by raising awareness and providing access to ADR methods for these marginalized groups.
Erick Mukiza Presenting: Erick Mukiza, Professional Fellows Program on Inclusive Civic Engagement Spring 2024 alumni, presents the project objectives and action plan to the audience, with a sign language interpreter providing translation.
Support for the project was echoed in speeches by representatives of the Professional Fellows Program (PFP). Heike Boeltzig-Brown, Director of the Professional Fellows Program Institute for Community Inclusion, and Jasmine Bailey, Director of Operations at the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) and Erick's mentor, both endorsed the initiative. They highlighted its potential to significantly improve the lives of deaf and hard-of-hearing women in Tanzania by equipping them with the knowledge and tools to resolve disputes effectively.
The event was designed to be accessible and inclusive, ensuring that deaf attendees could participate fully. Sign language interpreters were present, and real-time text was displayed on a screen, allowing attendees to follow the proceedings. Additionally, all information was sent to their mobile phones via WhatsApp, ensuring comprehensive accessibility.
The launch of "Empowering Deaf and Hard of Hearing Women in Tanzania: A Campaign for Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Awareness" represents a meaningful advancement towards inclusive justice and empowerment for women with disabilities. The project's success will serve as a model for similar initiatives, promoting a more inclusive and equitable society.
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