Unyielding Resilience: Peninah Yalwala’s Journey of Inclusion and Empowerment
In the heart of the bustling village of Chavakali, nestled within the Sabatia Sub-County of Vihiga County, a woman’s story resonates with resilience, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to inclusion. Peninah Yalwala, a fervent advocate for gender and disability inclusion, draws from her experiences growing up with deaf parents, crafting a narrative of inspiration and empowerment that transcends borders and boundaries.
As the sun gracefully ascends on the horizon, casting its golden hues upon the vibrant streets and bustling markets, International Women’s Day dawns upon the world in 2024, illuminating Peninah’s path of courage and determination.
Born into a world where silence often overshadowed spoken words, Peninah learned the profound value of communication, empathy, and resilience from a tender age. “My parents were blessed with seven children, none of whom are deaf,” she shares, her voice echoing with a blend of fondness and reflection. She elucidates the myriad causes of deafness, ranging from prenatal infections like rubella to childhood illnesses such as measles and mumps, which claimed her father’s hearing at the tender age of nine.
Yet, despite the challenges presented by their disability, Peninah’s parents imbued her with an unshakeable belief in the boundless potential of determination and perseverance. “My father’s journey through education, mastering sign language, and eventually imparting it to us at a tender age, laid the foundation for our family’s resilience,” she recounts, her eyes aglow with admiration and gratitude.
Growing up with deaf parents was both a journey of profound understanding and acceptance for Peninah. “Their deafness became a natural part of our lives, shaping our worldview and fostering a deep sense of empathy and understanding,” she reflects, her words tinged with warmth and nostalgia.
With over 15 years of experience in the field, Peninah has emerged as a formidable force for change, wielding her expertise in gender transformative and disability-inclusive programming to effect tangible improvements in the lives of individuals with disabilities worldwide.
At the World Federation of the Deaf, Peninah’s impact reverberates far and wide, transcending the confines of borders and boundaries. In her role as a technical advisor, she has spearheaded groundbreaking initiatives in disaster risk reduction and response, ensuring that deaf individuals, particularly women and children, are not relegated to the margins during times of crisis. Her unwavering advocacy for child and disability rights has paved the way for a more inclusive society, where every individual is afforded the opportunity to thrive and flourish.
Yet, amidst her professional accomplishments, Peninah remains keenly aware of the stigma and discrimination that pervade the lives of individuals with disabilities. “Deaf individuals were often subjected to derogatory labels and terms, perpetuating a cycle of misunderstanding and exclusion,” she laments, her voice tinged with a mixture of sadness and determination.
Reflecting on the challenges encountered on her journey, particularly when embarking on the path of marriage, Peninah shares candidly, “I faced skepticism and apprehension regarding the possibility of having deaf children. However, I remained steadfast in my belief that deafness is not solely determined by genetics; it is but one facet of a multifaceted issue shaped by various factors.”
Peninah’s journey transcends mere professional accolades; it is a testament to the lives she has touched and the hearts she has inspired. “I am immensely proud of my contributions to transformative projects such as the Liverpool VCT care and treatment program, which pioneered initiatives for gender and disability inclusion,” she reminisces, her eyes alight with passion and purpose.
“It is through education that a deaf girl can stand before people and learn the transactional language. Education provides deaf women with skills that allow them to compete equally with peers for jobs. If my mom was not allowed to pick what she deemed fit may she would never have worked for the organizations she has worked for,” says.
Her rallying call is that key actors ought to be intentional in mobilizing vocational training students to use sign language interpreters that can map out young people that can get admission into vocational training institutes for inclusivity. “I say this because education is a springboard that identifies the talents of the Deaf my mother from a rural Busoga village in Uganda got an opportunity to get exposure and get an education,” Penina adds.
From her endeavors with Skills for Prosperity Kenya to her current role as a disaster risk reduction officer at the World Federation of the Deaf, Peninah continues to champion inclusion across diverse sectors, empowering countless individuals to become catalysts for change within their communities. Culminating into the declaration of the rights of deaf children where they advocate for every child accessing sign language.
Kenya recognizes the Kenyan sign language in the constitution According to the preamble “the three languages to be used in the assembly include English, Kiswahili, and sign language.
Despite the myriad challenges encountered along the way, Peninah remains unwavering in her commitment to accelerating progress and investing in women. Her journey epitomizes the transformative power of resilience, empathy, and unwavering determination.
As the world commemorates International Women’s Day under the theme “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress,” Peninah’s story serves as a poignant reminder that true change begins with individuals like her—trailblazers who dare to dream, challenge the status quo, and champion inclusivity, one step at a time. In Peninah, we find not just a leader, but a beacon of hope, illuminating the path towards a more inclusive and equitable future for all.
By Angela Muhonja, AMWIK Member
