In a historic step toward gender and disability inclusion, Nigeria has hosted its first-ever national conference focused exclusively on female sign language interpreters—and their vital role in combating gender-based violence (GBV) against deaf women.
Organised by the Association of Sign Language Interpreters of Nigeria (ASLIN), the conference marked a watershed moment in the fight against double discrimination—where deaf women face violence, yet remain voiceless due to communication barriers.
With the theme “The Role of Female Sign Language Interpreters in Mitigating the Causes of Gender-Based Violence Among Deaf Women in Developing Countries,” the event drew interpreters, advocates, government officials, and civil society leaders to confront a stark reality: without access to interpretation, deaf women are often shut out of protection services and justice systems.
ASLIN President Timothy Tinat emphasized the need for more women in the profession—especially in northern Nigeria—where cultural and infrastructural gaps limit deaf women’s access to medical and legal services. He also called attention to the societal pressures that drive many female interpreters out of the field after marriage.
Conference Chairperson Dr. Martina Ntino delivered a powerful address, describing female interpreters as “not just conveyors of language but interpreters of justice and humanity.” She urged collaboration, shared learning, and strategic action to empower deaf women and the interpreters who serve them.
Real-life testimonies painted a vivid picture of the challenges women interpreters face—from resigning under marital pressure to interpreting during pregnancy despite health risks. One case, that of a talented interpreter named Kindness who had to leave her job due to spousal disapproval, served as a painful reminder of the barriers that still exist.
The conference also highlighted the risks deaf women face in GBV cases when assigned male interpreters—some of whom may be connected to perpetrators—further silencing their voices.
Officials reaffirmed commitments to inclusion. The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), represented by Mr. Lawrence Idemudia, pledged better enforcement of the Disability Act. The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) announced the training of 250 officers in sign language, while NAPTIP revealed it is receiving at least 20 GBV reports daily, with deaf women often left out due to interpreter shortages.
To bridge this gap, NAPTIP has launched a sign language unit and introduced Braille and audiovisual materials for legal processes—an effort that aligns with global goals to leave no one behind.
Adding to the inclusive momentum, the FCT Mandate Secretary for Women Affairs confirmed a 5% quota for women with disabilities in government programs, with deaf women already among recent grant beneficiaries.
In her goodwill message, Barrister Catherine Edeh of Voice of Disability Initiative stressed the need for trauma-informed, female-led interpreting in GBV cases, alongside confidentiality and professionalism.
As the first event of its kind on the continent, the ASLIN-led conference has set a new benchmark for Africa—one that centres the experiences, rights, and resilience of deaf women, and the women interpreters who help make their voices heard.
By Kelsey Chukwunyere Nwosu | Inclusive News Network
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