Tanzania born mother of three, Aneth Gerena Isaya has been elected Vice President representing East African region for African Deaf Initiative (ADI).
She was elected based on her massive contributions to the development of Deaf and Disability community, particularly women and girls with disabilities in Tanzania and some African States as well as her strong advocacy for the well-being of the Deaf and Disability community in Tanzania.
Aneth Gerena Isaya is the founder and Director of Furaha ya Wanawake Wajasiriamali kwa Viziwi Tanzania (FUWAVITA) a Swahili language which, when translated to English means “the Tanzania Joy Women Entrepreneurship For The Deaf”, and an advocate for women with disabilities. The organisation aims to empower women with disabilities through entrepreneurship and leadership program.
As if that’s not enough, She was also appointed Director of Disability to an International Organisation called “a travel tree that grows” and Public Relations to Tanzania US Alumni Association
In a statement made available to our correspondent, Isaya thanked ADI for trusting her with the vote to lead such huge post, promising that she will work hard to ensure the ADI mission is accomplished.
She said she will use the opportunity to transfer her entrepreunership skills like wine making technology to Deaf Africans across the region.
She said “I know it is not an easy task. But as a mother of young kids and also a woman i will do all my best to show them that women can.
“Now I will be very busy than I’ve ever been. I will make sure I plan my timetable ahead of time so I can control all duties equally.
Aneth, in her words of encouragement, advised Deaf youths to “work hard by advocating for the right of deaf people in East Africa and Africa as a whole, adding that it’s your hard work that will take you to this present position she is now. “You cannot contest in any big post to represent deaf in your region when you never did any impactiful projects before”
Meanwhile, Aneth Isaya, the only female representative, was not the only elected executive for ADI representing each region, Chidi Olujie, the newly elected president of Nigeria National Association of the Deaf (NNAD) was recent elected vice president representing West African region, while Tshepo Maseko, represent Southern region for African Deaf Initiatives among others.
Julius Shemang of blessed memory was the founding member and Executive Interim Secretary of the African Deaf Initiative (ADI).
ADI is a Non Governmental Organisation (NGO) established in 2015 and registered under the Laws of the Republic of Zambia and headquartered in Kitwe, Zambia. ADI exists to advocate for Deaf people human rights and inclusion in Africa.