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October 5, 2026
KNDWPN Represents Deaf Women and Girls at CEDAW and UPR Engagements in Geneva, Switzerland.
The Kenya National Deaf Women Peace Network (KNDWPN) proudly participated in the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) and the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) engagements held in Geneva, Switzerland. The engagements provided an important platform to advocate for the rights of women and girls with disabilities and to strengthen efforts towards gender equality, inclusion, and social justice.
KNDWPN was represented by its Director, Josephine Kakoma, who joined other Kenyan disability rights organisations in bringing attention to the experiences, challenges, and priorities of persons with disabilities, particularly women and girls.
Other Kenyan disability organisations represented at the engagements included the United Disabled Persons of Kenya (UDPK), Women Challenged to Challenge (WCC), and the Network of Women and Girls. Their collective participation demonstrated the importance of collaboration among disability rights organisations in advancing inclusive policies, promoting accountability, and ensuring that the voices of women and girls with disabilities are heard at national and international levels.
Through the CEDAW and UPR processes, KNDWPN reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for the protection and promotion of the rights of Deaf women and girls. These engagements are vital opportunities to highlight the multiple forms of discrimination experienced by women and girls with disabilities and to call for practical measures that address barriers to education, healthcare, employment, justice, leadership, and meaningful participation in decision-making.
For Deaf women and girls, meaningful inclusion also requires accessible information, interpretation in sign language, and communication systems that enable them to participate fully in public life and human rights processes.
KNDWPN recognises that achieving gender equality requires deliberate efforts to ensure that no woman or girl is left behind because of disability. Participation in international human rights engagements such as CEDAW and the UPR helps strengthen advocacy, build partnerships, and promote commitments that can translate into meaningful change in the lives of Deaf women and girls in Kenya.
As KNDWPN continues its work, the organisation remains committed to amplifying the voices of Deaf women and girls, promoting peace and equality, and advocating for a society where their rights are respected, their contributions are valued, and their participation is fully recognised.
Together, we can build a more inclusive society where Deaf women and girls are empowered to claim their rights, influence decisions, and shape their own futures.
KNDWPN was represented by its Director, Josephine Kakoma, who joined other Kenyan disability rights organisations in bringing attention to the experiences, challenges, and priorities of persons with disabilities, particularly women and girls.
Other Kenyan disability organisations represented at the engagements included the United Disabled Persons of Kenya (UDPK), Women Challenged to Challenge (WCC), and the Network of Women and Girls. Their collective participation demonstrated the importance of collaboration among disability rights organisations in advancing inclusive policies, promoting accountability, and ensuring that the voices of women and girls with disabilities are heard at national and international levels.
Through the CEDAW and UPR processes, KNDWPN reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for the protection and promotion of the rights of Deaf women and girls. These engagements are vital opportunities to highlight the multiple forms of discrimination experienced by women and girls with disabilities and to call for practical measures that address barriers to education, healthcare, employment, justice, leadership, and meaningful participation in decision-making.
For Deaf women and girls, meaningful inclusion also requires accessible information, interpretation in sign language, and communication systems that enable them to participate fully in public life and human rights processes.
KNDWPN recognises that achieving gender equality requires deliberate efforts to ensure that no woman or girl is left behind because of disability. Participation in international human rights engagements such as CEDAW and the UPR helps strengthen advocacy, build partnerships, and promote commitments that can translate into meaningful change in the lives of Deaf women and girls in Kenya.
As KNDWPN continues its work, the organisation remains committed to amplifying the voices of Deaf women and girls, promoting peace and equality, and advocating for a society where their rights are respected, their contributions are valued, and their participation is fully recognised.
Together, we can build a more inclusive society where Deaf women and girls are empowered to claim their rights, influence decisions, and shape their own futures.
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