MALI: JHR works with state broadcaster ORTM on TV show about access to SRHR information for Deaf community

On September 13, JHR-Mali helped produce an episode of the popular lunchtime Le Grin de Midi show, focused on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) for the Deaf community in Mali.

The episode featured a line-up of expert speakers, including Balkissa Moukelou,  President of the Malian Association of Deaf Women and member of the Malian Union of Disabled Women, Dr. Issouf Traoré of the Union of Doctors of Mali, JHR’s SRHR expert Sané Demba N’Diaye and Finance Assistant Youssouf Diarra.  Ten members of the Association of the Deaf also shared their personal experiences during the episode.

The show was dedicated to such themes as the Deaf community’s vulnerability to gender-based violence, their access to reproductive health services, provisions in the Malian law for guarantees towards their rights, and possible solutions for their improved access to RH facilities.

The episode was well-received by all stakeholders and received positive feedback from the Minister of Health and Social Development. The Association of Deaf further went on to request JHR-Mali’s support for their campaign on free breast and cervical cancer screening in October.