Location: LAGOS
Beneficiaries: Deaf Women
Fifty Deaf women in Lagos are proving that with the right support, barriers to employment can be broken. The “Empowering Deaf Women for Sustainable Income” project, founded by Oluwadare Olatunji, is giving these women the skills and opportunities they need to achieve financial independence. Through vocational training, mentorship, and advocacy, the initiative challenges the systemic obstacles that often exclude Deaf women from traditional employment.
The Project
Many Deaf women face societal stigma, limited access to education, and a lack of inclusive workplace policies, making it difficult for them to secure sustainable income. By equipping them with practical skills and connecting them with mentors who understand their unique challenges, the project instills confidence and provides a clear path to financial security. With the backing of a transformative grant, this project is fostering a movement toward inclusivity and economic empowerment. By raising awareness, advocating for policy changes, and encouraging local businesses to recognize the capabilities of Deaf women, the initiative is shifting perceptions and paving the way for a more equitable future.
The Impact of the Seed Grant
With support from The Pollination Project grant, the initiative has significantly expanded its impact. The funding enabled the development of more comprehensive training programs in areas such as craft-making, digital literacy, and recycling. Deaf women were trained to repurpose waste materials such as plastics, paper, and textiles into marketable products, providing an additional source of income while promoting environmental sustainability.
Additionally, the grant facilitated mentorship opportunities, connecting Deaf women with experienced professionals who provided guidance and career support. Beyond skill-building, the TPP grant supported awareness campaigns that promoted inclusive hiring practices, encouraging businesses and communities to recognize and harness the talents of Deaf individuals. Access to necessary resources, including specialized training materials and assistive technologies, further strengthened the program, ensuring that participants were equipped to thrive in professional environments.
The Future
Looking ahead, the project aims to broaden its reach by scaling up vocational training programs to include more Deaf women across different communities. Strengthening partnerships with businesses, NGOs, and policymakers will be a key focus, advocating for inclusive employment practices and the implementation of policies that support Deaf workers. Additionally, the initiative plans to establish a mentorship network, allowing past participants to support and guide new trainees, fostering a strong community of empowered Deaf women.
By continuing to grow and evolve, the “Empowering Deaf Women for Sustainable Income” project is laying the foundation for a future where Deaf women can achieve financial independence and contribute meaningfully to society.
Once again, thank you for giving hope to this boy from Somolu who never imagined that an international organization would find his project worthy of their support.
Oluwadare Olatunji
Oluwadare Olatunji is a passionate advocate for the Deaf community, driven by personal experiences as a Child of Deaf Adults (CODA). With Sign Language as his first language, he has witnessed firsthand the discrimination and barriers Deaf individuals face, particularly in accessing job opportunities. Determined to create change, he has spent the past five years working with various organizations to bridge the gap between the Deaf and hearing communities.
Through his advocacy, Olatunji has connected Deaf individuals to employment and empowerment programs, ensuring they have access to sustainable income opportunities. His work extends beyond the Deaf community, he volunteers with SUSTY VIBES, training women in waste recycling and linking them to recycling organizations, an initiative that has empowered over 100,000 women in Nigeria. His unwavering commitment to social impact continues to drive inclusivity, economic independence, and better opportunities for marginalized groups.
Join The Pollination Project in seeding a global movement of grassroots change. When we invest in passionate local leaders, small acts of generosity blossom into lasting impact. Every dollar you give takes root in communities, growing into sustainable solutions that touch countless lives.
