We, the EUD Board, joined the 3rd European Deaf Women Forum which took place in Brno, Czech Republic 21-24 November 2024. alongside participants from across the EU. Together, we proudly present this statement to the National Associations of the Deaf (NADs) across Europe, urging them to strengthen the leadership of Deaf women and enhance their access to information on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR).
Background and needs
Due to their intersecting identities, Deaf women face unique challenges related to leadership, gender equality and access to their fundamental human rights, including Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR). To ensure that these rights are protected and that Deaf women are fairly represented in leadership roles, action is needed at multiple levels. We propose to conduct a survey in all EUD members’ countries to map:
· SRHR issues for Deaf women, including refugee women.
· Access to opportunities for Deaf women to take leadership roles in their communities and organisations, including in deaf sport organisations.
Motives for action: Protection of Human Rights of Deaf Women
SRHR are fundamental rights under international and European law. They are the basis for a life in dignity, freedom and health, taking grounds on Article 6 CRPD and the 2024 EUD report titled Combatting Gender-based Violence and Discrimination against Deaf Women and Girls in the EU”.
SRHR to achieve Gender Equality:
When deaf women are denied access to SRHR or leadership opportunities, it negatively affects their safety, quality of life and community participation.
SRHR to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development:
The promotion of SRHR and women’s leadership directly contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, respectively Goals 3, 5 and 10), focusing on health, gender equality and equity.
The role of the EU:
Although EU Member States determine their own laws, the EU encourages actions that strengthen SRHR and women’s rights. The EU can also support deaf women in vulnerable situations, including refugee women.
Recommendations to the EUD
1. conduct a European survey:
· Map SRHR issues and opportunities for Deaf women leaders in each Member State.
· Include a specific analysis of the situation of deaf refugee women.
2. strengthen leadership for deaf women:
· Establish a training week for deaf women leaders within the EUD, preferably in co-operation with a university.
· Establish webinars and other capacity-building initiatives on deaf women leadership open to the deaf community through the support of National Associations of the Deaf with reference to the 2nd European Deaf Women Forum.
· Create networks and support structures for Deaf women leaders to deal with sexism, organisational challenges and family life.
· Develop an action plan to promote fair conditions for deaf women within the NADs.
3. Raise the visibility of SRHR in sports:
· Call on the European Deaf Sports Organisation (EDSO) to work on issues of visibility of Deaf women in sports and include SRHR in sporting contexts.
4. Promote volunteering within Deaf Women movement:
· Develop strategies to engage more volunteers within the deaf community, focusing on long-term development and support for new volunteers.
To achieve true gender equality and empower deaf women, we need to work systematically, both locally and at the European level. We call on the EUD and its National Members to prioritise these issues and work with us to create a future where deaf women can lead, grow and contribute fully.
This statement has been developed and endorsed by the delegates at the 3rd European Deaf Women Forum, which took place in Brno, Czech Republic 21-24 November 2024.
We look forward to seeing these issues raised and addressed at the upcoming EUD General Assembly in Poland in 2025 and in cooperation between EUD National Members.
