The theme for the commemoration is “Gender Equality Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow”.
Adama Jammeh, GODHOH female wing treasurer said the theme is self-explanatory, adding that if one wants to make tomorrow you need to work today. She stated that the deaf and hard of hearing faces lot of systemic discrimination in society.
“The society takes advantage of the deaf especially women. We face harassment because we cannot talk or hear. We are subjected to early marriage to men that do not understand how it feels to be deaf,” she highlighted.
She urged parents to allow their differently abled children to go to school, saying they can be what the rest can be. She urged parents to learn sign language in order to be able to communicate with their children as well as ensure they do not feel left out.
ASP Omar Sanneh, from Essau Police Station applauded these special people (deaf and hard of hearing) for being law abiding.
“In my career as a police officer I have never dealt with a case that involve these people. They are very civilized and peaceful,” he stated.
Lamin M. Ceesay, Development Officer for GADHOH said he believes in working together for a better world for all including persons living with disabilities especially women.
He added people living with disabilities should be given access and opportunities as others.
Baturu Ceesay, Principal at Essau Lower Basic School said differently abled persons should not be sidelined but rather involved in every decision making process.
