The Nigeria National Association of the Deaf Women Section (NNADWS), in collaboration with major partner Sound Sense Deaf Empowerment Initiative (SSDEI), convened a 2-Day Training Summit from 13th to 14th April 2026 at the National Human Rights Commission, Abuja. Themed _“Addressing Challenges and Prospects: The Way Forward for the Progress and Inclusivity of Deaf Women and Girl-Child Education”_, the summit commemorated International Women’s Day 2026.
*Day 1: Capacity Building & Training – 13th April 2026*
The day opened with registration and full accessibility support. In her opening remark, NNADWS Women Leader Hajiya Monsurat Fasasi T. welcomed participants who traveled despite economic hardship and appreciated NGOs partnering with the association to make the summit successful. Three training sessions followed:
1. *Mental Health Track* – Mrs. Hanatu Pamela Hannis Ishaya (HAFGIH) on stigma, coping strategies, and accessible mental health services.
2. *Leadership Development* – Mr. Ayoade Beyioku Alase (AAD) on roles of women leaders, advocacy, and governance.
3. *Gender-Based Violence* – Mr. Friday Ejeh Paul (SSDEI) on safety, reporting pathways, and documentation of GBV cases.
Day 1 closed with goodwill messages and preliminary action plans.
*Day 2: Summit & Opening Ceremony – 14th April 2026*
Attended by representatives from the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs,
– National Commission for Person With Disabilities (NCPWD)
– Hon Halima Zubairu Member House of Representatives, Kano State
– Representive of NAPTIP,
– Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)
– Nigeria National Association of tha Deaf (NNAD)
– The Inclusive Development Initiative (TIDI)
– HannisFoundation for Gender Inclusionand Health (HAFGIH)
– Christian Women For Excellence and Empowerment in Nigeria Society (CWEENS)
– Representative of the SSA to the President on Disability Matters.
– Abuja Association of the Deaf (AAD)
– Association of Sign Language Interpreters FCT Chapter.and others. In her address, Hajiya Monsurat Fasasi T. stated: _“Today’s event marks a significant step towards advancing the rights, inclusion, and education of deaf women and the girl-child. We are gathered not just to talk, but to commit to action.”_ She appreciated major collaborator SSDEI, HAFGIH, NHRC, CBM, and TIDI for technical and financial support.
Keynote speaker Mrs. Uche Henrietta Uwadia addressed systemic barriers in education. Hannan Moshen Ebrahim Aly, President, The Arab Association of the Deaf, Egypt, shared international perspectives. Mr. Hosea Handan (SSDEI) stressed community-driven advocacy. A cultural dance by the _Deaf Gbagyi Dance Group_ and a Q&A session followed.
*Key Outcomes:*
1. Deaf women leaders trained on mental health, leadership, and GBV response.
2. Renewed partnerships with MDAs, INGOs, DPOs, and major collaborator SSDEI.
3. Action plans set: GBV reports for advocacy and state-level step-down training.
4. Increased national visibility for deaf women’s rights.
NNADWS thanked all facilitators, interpreters, and partners, with special recognition to SSDEI for their major collaborative role. The association remains committed to state-level trainings and policy engagement.
_“Together, we can break barriers. Together, we can promote inclusion. Together, we can empower deaf women and the girl-child.”_
Signed
Hon. Awadzi Bridget Christopher
National Women Secretary, NNADWS