At the Deaf Empowerment Society of Kenya (DESK), we are committed to ensuring that Deaf women and girls have equal access to justice. Many Deaf survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) face barriers in understanding their legal rights due to complex legal language and a lack of accessible resources. To bridge this gap, DESK has translated key GBV laws into Simple English and Kenyan Sign Language (KSL), making them more understandable and accessible to the Deaf community.
Laws Translated:
–Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) – A global treaty protecting women’s rights, including protection from GBV.
–Protection Against Domestic Violence Act – A Kenyan law that defines domestic violence and outlines the legal protections available to survivors.
–Sexual Offences Act – A law that addresses various forms of sexual violence, including penalties for offenders and rights of survivors.
Why This Matters
Many Deaf survivors struggle to report GBV or seek justice because legal information is often complex, inaccessible, or unavailable in sign language. By translating these laws into Simple English and KSL, we ensure that:
–Deaf survivors can understand their rights and legal protections.
–More Deaf individuals can report GBV and access justice.
–Service providers, legal professionals, and communities become more inclusive in addressing GBV among Deaf individuals.
How We Are Sharing These Translations
📖 Easy-to-read printed booklets for community education.
🎥 Video translations in KSL, making legal information fully accessible to Deaf individuals.
📢 Awareness workshops and community dialogues to ensure widespread understanding.
A Step Toward Justice for All
This initiative is a major step in breaking communication barriers and empowering Deaf GBV survivors. By making legal information accessible, DESK is promoting awareness, advocacy, and justice for all.
Stay tuned as we roll out these resources! Together, we can create a safer, more inclusive society where Deaf women and girls can fully exercise their rights.