A Beacon of Light for Hard of Hearing Women

The Hard of Hearing Association of Tanzania (HOHATz), led by the inspiring Laura Pettie Kissakwa is at the forefront of promoting inclusivity for hard of hearing (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.

As a passionate advocate, Laura expressed her personal mission to assist overlooked HoH individuals. She stated that “seeing these women smile, ask questions, embrace one another, and pledge to hold their heads high, I realized I had made a profound impact on their lives.”

Laura added that “receiving this grant and witnessing their transformation has ignited my potential to reach even more women and girls who are HoH and may have lost hope. I aspire to be the guiding light for every HoH woman living in poverty, empowering them to dream big."

Let us continue to shine a light on the lives of HoH individuals and inspire positive change in our society!