WFDYS Webinar: Break the Bias Against Young Deaf Women
Webinar Title: Break the Bias against Young Deaf Women
Date and time: 8 March 2022, 14:00 CET
Recording: Will be available after the live session
Zoom registration link: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJAtceuqqTsvH9cEZfJcisyKFUr1n-0TcMCX
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Background
Women with disabilities (WWD) include Deaf women who face significant disadvantage compared to working men with and without disabilities. Several studies show that, for example, the average WWD is paid only 83% compared to a working man with a disability and 67% compared to a working man without a disability. Negative attitudes and stereotypes about WWD may contribute to these disadvantages. Past research has found that both women and people with disabilities include Deaf people may be judged as weak, dependent, or incapable by others. WWD may find it challenging to prove their capabilities to coworkers and supervisors, as a result of being both female and having disabilities. Because of this, they may struggle with decisions regarding whether, and when, to disclose their disability or request accommodations in the workplace. Deaf young women have also described their experiences in disclosing their deafness and receiving accommodations at work; they want to make their own decisions; disclosing being young Deaf women; the benefits and costs of receiving accommodations on the job and the techniques that Deaf young women require to manage negative attitudes from others at work and other places.
The World Federation of the Deaf Youth (WFDYS) with its Women Advisory Group, is attempting to identify the various challenges faced by young Deaf women. Such discrimination and challenges in accessing equal opportunities and quality reproductive health care encompasses the lack of access to a sign language environment, reasonable accommodation to women with disabilities, including deaf women. Having open and equal opportunities comprises the presence of closed-captioning, note taking, preparation of meetings, accredited sign language interpreters, the presence of relevant assistive technologies and the absence of negative attitudes and stigma associated with persons with disabilities, including deaf women.
Objectives:
This webinar aims to share information about the experiences faced by Deaf women worldwide in the celebration of this year’s International Women’s Day with a theme of “Break The Bias against Young Deaf Women‘’ following the IWD’s theme ‘’Break The Bias.’’ This refers to “imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive. The webinar will offer an opportunity to reflect on progress made, to call for change and to celebrate acts of courage and determination by young Deaf women who have played an extraordinary role in the history of their Deaf communities.
Furthermore, specific objectives include:
- Contributing to a broader goal of shifting attitudes toward to young women and girls today
- Meaningful participation of diverse stakeholders including youths, associations at local, regional, and country levels and DPOs
- Showcasing progress, and good practices on inclusion and empowerment of deaf youths including showcasing from underrepresented groups such as girls and women, with extra needs.
- Sharing information and knowledges to build up common goals and messages
- Promote and expand the network
See more information about the webinar here
