About Us Page

DWAI ensures no Deaf woman is left behind — through advocacy, education, and inclusion.

What is DWAI?

Deaf Women Aloud Initiative (DWAI) is a women-led, disability-inclusive organization committed to advancing the rights, visibility, and well-being of deaf women and girls across Nigeria. Founded on the belief that every deaf woman deserves dignity, safety, and equal opportunity, DWAI works to eliminate the barriers that limit the participation of deaf women in social, economic, and civic life. Across Nigeria, deaf women face distinct challenges, from communication barriers and limited access to education, healthcare, and information, to heightened risks of gender-based violence (GBV), sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), and exclusion from decision-making spaces. DWAI confronts these issues through advocacy, empowerment, capacity-building, and community-focused interventions. Our work also places strong emphasis on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR). We train deaf women and girls on SRHR services, provide accessible information, and advocate for their right to safe, informed, and inclusive healthcare. In addition, we actively combat GBV, SGBV, and related matters, ensuring survivors have access to support, justice pathways, and protection services that respect communication needs and deaf culture.
Through our programs, we:
• Promote the rights and protection of deaf women and girls by engaging with policymakers, justice systems, and community stakeholders.
• Strengthen economic, leadership, and life skills, enabling deaf women to participate fully in society and build sustainable livelihoods.
• Raise awareness and train communities on SRHR, GBV, SGBV, and related matters, making crucial information accessible through sign language.
• Ensure safe access to health, legal, and psychosocial services for deaf survivors of violence and discrimination.
• Foster inclusive communities where sign language, accessibility, and respect for deaf culture are fully embraced.
• Create safe and empowering spaces for deaf women to connect, learn, share experiences, and advocate for themselves.
community networks, and government agencies to ensure that deaf women and girls are not only included but supported and empowered to lead.