Laura Pettie Kissakwa

Laura Pettie Kissakwa is a disability activist and hard of hearing (HoH) person. In her native Tanzania, HoH women are often mistreated, joked about, despised, misunderstood, and forgotten. Laura leads the Hard of Hearing Association of Tanzania (HOHATz) that promoting inclusivity for HoH individuals in Tanzania. In July 2023, HOHATz organized workshops for 20 HoH women, supported by the Giving Joy grant, to equip them with essential entrepreneurial skills, utilizing social media platforms effectively, and coping with mental health issues while navigating the business world as a HoH individual.

The workshops covered creativity in business, social media marketing, and effective communication. Drawing from her own experiences, Laura led conversations on mental health in the workplace. She addressed vital aspects such as managing stress, handling difficult customers, and maintaining a positive attitude as female entrepreneurs with disabilities.

Following the workshops, the 20 participants came together on a dedicated WhatsApp group and welcomed an additional 49 HoH women from various regions. Remarkably, each of the 49 members also committed to supporting an individual outside the group. This initiative has resulted in a powerful network of 100 individuals, creating a ripple effect that encourages other HoH individuals to embrace their condition and participate in similar events.