World Hearing Day 2025

 

World Hearing Day 2025

World Hearing Day is observed on March 3rd every year. It's a global initiative led by the World Health Organization (WHO) to raise awareness about hearing loss and promote ear and hearing care for all. The theme for 2025 is "Changing Mindsets: Empower Yourself to Make Ear and Hearing Care a Reality for All." This year's focus is on breaking the stigma around hearing loss and encouraging proactive steps toward better hearing health.

Hearing loss is a significant public health issue affecting millions worldwide. According to WHO, over 1.5 billion people live with some degree of hearing impairment, and this number is expected to rise. The campaign emphasizes the importance of early detection, regular hearing check-ups, and the use of hearing aids and assistive devices without stigma.

Some key steps to safeguard hearing include:

• Lowering the volume and following the 60/60 rule (listen at 60% volume for no more than 60 minutes).
• Wearing ear protection in loud environments.
• Avoid inserting objects into the ear.
• Treating ear infections promptly.
• Getting regular hearing screenings.
• Empowering individuals on hearing care
• Campaign to raise awareness on hearing care
• Networking on hear care

Changing mindsets about hearing loss involves shifting societal attitudes and beliefs. By normalizing hearing aids and assistive devices, educating the public, and promoting advocacy, we can make people feel more comfortable seeking help. Open discussions about hearing loss within families, communities, and workplaces create supportive environments, while campaigns like World Hearing Day highlight the importance of hearing health.

Prioritizing hearing health means encouraging regular screenings, early detection, and intervention using hearing aids, cochlear implants, or other assistive devices. Inclusive communication practices and supporting research can also foster a more inclusive society where everyone can participate fully, regardless of their hearing ability. This not only improves the lives of individuals with hearing loss but also fosters a culture of empathy, understanding, and support.

HANDS Foundation is already a member of the World Hearing Day campaign. If you're interested in more details or want to participate in World Hearing Day events, you can find more information by clicking on the link to the Word Hearing Website.

Celebrating Love for People with Disabilities

 Celebrating Love for People with Disabilities

Valentine’s Day is a celebration of love and connection. However, in many Asian communities, people with disabilities often face barriers to pursuing relationships due to stigma and societal neglect.

Many mistakenly believe that individuals with physical disabilities lack romantic desires or the ability to form meaningful relationships. I experienced this firsthand before my marriage and even after, as colleagues often questioned how a person with a physical disability could live with a partner. Our research in Pakistan’s urban and rural areas found that families often view girls with disabilities as fragile or incapable, negatively impacting their lives. Some are even exploited in false relationships, left abandoned after having children. These harmful stereotypes label people with disabilities as “incapable” or “unsuitable” partners, leading to their exclusion from romantic and marital opportunities. Some also assume that relationships should only exist between people with the same disabilities, such as deaf individuals only dating other deaf people or blind individuals only dating the blind.

Others infantilize people with disabilities, treating them as if they are children who don’t need or shouldn’t have romantic relationships. This attitude disregards their right to experience love and intimacy like anyone else, including those with Down syndrome.

The Need for Inclusive Education

Change begins with schools. Schools must provide disability-friendly relationship education, families should support autonomy, and media should represent individuals with disabilities as capable of love. Campaigns like Love Without Limits in South Korea showcase inspiring stories of couples who challenge societal barriers.

Sex education is often considered taboo in many Asian countries. Without proper sex education, not only are people with disabilities discriminated against, but young children also become more vulnerable to abuse. Relationship education rarely accommodates their needs, leaving them unprepared to navigate relationships safely. Worse, materials often lack accessibility features such as sign language support or simplified guides for those with learning differences. Studies show that individuals with disabilities face higher risks of abuse, highlighting the urgent need for inclusive resources.

Breaking the Dating Taboo

In many Asian cultures, dating is considered sinful, leading to resistance from society. In India, for example, extremist groups have attacked couples in public. Even in more developed Asian countries, families and caregivers sometimes discourage people with disabilities from dating, fearing harm or misunderstanding. Interviews across Asia reveal that many individuals have been told to “wait until you’re older” or to “focus on other things.” A 40-year-old man with a developmental disability shared, “My parents told me I wasn’t ready for a relationship—even at my age.” Such attitudes reinforce the myth that people with disabilities don’t understand love or deserve companionship, emphasizing the need for independent living in Asia.

Despite these challenges, activists and organizations are working to change perceptions. In Japan and India, workshops on relationships for disabled youth are becoming more common. Online communities across Southeast Asia are creating safe spaces where people with disabilities can share their stories and experiences.

Valentine’s Day reminds us that love is for everyone. As one young woman with cerebral palsy put it, “Love isn’t about ability—it’s about connection.” By challenging stereotypes and improving education, we can ensure that people with disabilities are included in the conversation. This Valentine’s Day, let’s celebrate love in all its forms and work toward a world where everyone, regardless of ability, can experience it fully.

 This Valentine’s Day, let’s celebrate love in all its forms—and work toward a world where everyone, regardless of ability, can experience it fully. Valentine's Day is to show love to loved ones, including family, relatives, parents, offspring, spouses, and partners.

Tips for People with Disabilities are not in any relationship to Celebrate Valentine’s Day:

• Spend time with your loved ones.
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• Practice self-love and schedule a self-care day.
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• Make plans with friends.
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• Volunteer with your favorite NGO/DPO.
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• Exchange gifts with friends and family.
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• Join or organize a group activity.
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• Take a break from social media, screens, and alcohol for the day.
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• Call friends you haven’t spoken to in a while.
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• Socialize and meet new people.

Love is universal, and everyone deserves to experience it in their own way. Let’s make this Valentine’s Day a celebration of inclusivity and acceptance.

ILCs Role in Awareness Raising in Pakistan

 

ILCs Role in Awareness Raising in Pakistan

HANDS Independent Living Centers are playing a vital role in enhancing the lives of persons with disabilities across Pakistan. These centers not only provide essential services but also actively promote awareness about the challenges and experiences faced by individuals with disabilities. This video from Multan, reported by South Today Live, highlights their impactful work and dedication to fostering an inclusive society.

Video with complements to South Today Live

Video: Community Health Workers and Inclusion

Photo: Thanks to HANDS Pakistan

HANDS Pakistan has developed a successful model of Community Health Workers (CHWs), known as Marvi or Noor workers, who play a vital role in delivering healthcare and social support to underserved communities. The number of HAND's CWDs exceeds 4000 women. These workers are key to promoting inclusion, especially for children and elders with disabilities, by addressing barriers to access and awareness at the grassroots level. Organizations like HANDS Pakistan, which are committed to supporting marginalized communities through CHWs, can adopt and expand similar models to create more inclusive and accessible societies.

In the video below, BBC Urdu highlights the powerful story of a CHW who is also a mother of a child with a disability. Despite facing societal challenges, she continues to work tirelessly, breaking down barriers and advocating for a more inclusive future. Her resilience reflects the strength of women who are transforming lives in their communities.

Watch the full report to see how local efforts are making a lasting impact.

 

Paradigm Shift of Disability in Pakistan

 

The relationship between the state and its citizens, and the interactions within society itself, have undergone a profound transformation. A rights-based approach has emerged as a dominant force in Pakistani society, significantly altering the landscape of social and political discourse. This shift is particularly evident in the realm of disability rights, where a paradigm shift has occurred, moving away from a charity-based model towards a rights-based framework.

Historically, the care of individuals with disabilities was largely viewed as an act of charity. This perspective, however, has been challenged by a growing recognition of the fundamental human rights of all individuals, regardless of their abilities. Today, people with disabilities possess the legal right to dignity, inclusion, non-discrimination, and equal opportunities. This shift in perspective has redefined disability itself, moving beyond a purely medical or physiological understanding.

Sociological research, grounded in the lived experiences and narratives of people with disabilities, has played a crucial role in this transformation. This research has highlighted that disability is not solely a consequence of individual limitations but rather a result of societal barriers. Economic, social, and physical obstacles erected by society often serve to marginalize individuals with disabilities, limiting their full participation and contribution to society.

This recognition has led to a paradigm shift, where the onus now lies on society to make the necessary structural changes to ensure the inclusion and empowerment of people with disabilities. This principle is enshrined in the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which Pakistan has ratified, signifying a commitment to upholding these rights within the country.

The Independent Living Movement in Pakistan, supported by organizations like the HANDS Foundation, exemplifies the remarkable strides made by people with disabilities in advocating for their own rights and well-being. This movement has fostered the establishment of Independent Living Centers, providing crucial training and support to individuals with severe disabilities, enabling them to lead more independent and fulfilling lives.

Despite significant legislative advancements, challenges remain. Organizations of persons with disabilities are currently facing challenges in areas such as inclusive education and employment. While some progressive organizations embrace inclusive hiring practices and provide reasonable accommodations for qualified employees with disabilities, this remains the exception rather than the norm. In many cases, employers, without even considering the applicant's qualifications, reject applications from individuals with disabilities.

Moving forward, it is crucial to continue advocating for the full implementation of disability rights legislation. This includes ensuring accessible education at all levels, promoting inclusive employment practices, and creating a more inclusive and accessible society for all. By fostering a society that values diversity and respects the rights of all its members, Pakistan can truly unlock the potential of people with disabilities and build a more equitable and just nation.

The Rise of Localization and its Implications for Diverse Local Actors

HANDS Foundation's core value lies in People, Partnership, Peace, Planet, and Prosperity. That makes HANDS a fertile platform for localization. Whereas different actors in the development and humanitarian sectors are now talking about localization, which is fundamental to effective development. This shift emphasizes local control and action in tackling global challenges. True localization goes beyond simple translation. It requires deep collaboration among diverse local actors—governments, communities, i.e., community-based organizations (CBOs), organizations of persons with disabilities (DPOs), local support organizations (LSOs), district-level networks (DLNs), and other civil society organizations—to jointly create and implement sustainable solutions. This collaborative approach sparks innovation, breaks down traditional barriers, and empowers local communities to lead their own development journeys.

This shift offers a unique opportunity for these diverse local actors. Recognizing their inherent strengths—deep community roots, cultural understanding, inclusion, and flexibility—these organizations can strategically position themselves to thrive in this changing landscape.

• Community Engagement: These actors must actively involve communities in every phase of the development process, from planning and implementation to monitoring and evaluation. This strengthens community ownership, empowers local voices, and ensures that interventions truly address local needs and priorities.

• Cultural Competence: These organizations possess invaluable insights into local cultures, traditions, and social dynamics. By leveraging this understanding, they can design and implement programs that are culturally sensitive, relevant, and impactful.

• Inclusion: Localization ensures that everyone has a seat at the table. When local people are involved in decisions that affect their lives—women, youth, older people, persons with disabilities, and everyone else—development and humanitarian projects become more meaningful and effective. By valuing the unique experiences and knowledge of all community members, localization creates a more inclusive and equitable path towards a better future for everyone.

• Strategic Partnerships: Building strong alliances with local governments, community leaders, and other local actors, including CBOs, DPOs, LSOs, and DLNs, amplifies impact and ensures sustainability. Furthermore, cultivating relationships with international organizations committed to localization can unlock valuable funding and technical support.

• Localization and Persons with Disabilities: Localization offers a transformative opportunity for persons with disabilities by shifting power, resources, and decision-making to local actors, particularly organizations led by and for persons with disabilities. This approach ensures that development initiatives are culturally relevant, accessible, and inclusive, addressing the unique challenges faced by persons with disabilities. By empowering these organizations to lead and participate in all stages of development—from planning to implementation and evaluation—localization breaks down systemic barriers and fosters sustainable, community-driven solutions. It also challenges stereotypes, promotes awareness, and creates equitable opportunities for persons with disabilities to thrive. Ultimately, localization not only amplifies the voices of persons with disabilities but also paves the way for a more inclusive and just society where everyone can contribute to and benefit from development.

• Capacity Building: These organizations must invest in strengthening their organizational capacity across all areas—financial management, governance, program design, and staff development. This includes providing training opportunities to enhance skills and expertise, ensuring organizational sustainability, and maximizing their impact.

• Effective Communication and Outreach: These organizations must effectively communicate their mission, achievements, and the impact of their work to a wider audience. This involves utilizing various channels, including social media and local media outlets, to showcase their successes and advocate for their cause.

• Robust Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Systems: Rigorous M&E allows these organizations to track progress, measure impact, and identify areas for improvement. By continuously learning and adapting, these organizations can ensure that their interventions remain relevant and effective in a dynamic environment.

• Financial Sustainability: These organizations must diversify their funding sources, exploring avenues beyond traditional grants. This may involve developing social enterprises, seeking alternative funding mechanisms, and building strong relationships with local donors.

In conclusion, positioning diverse local actors—including CBOs, DPOs, LSOs, and DLNs—to thrive in the era of localization requires a multifaceted approach. By embracing community engagement, leveraging cultural competence, forging strategic partnerships, investing in capacity building, and prioritizing effective communication and M&E, these organizations can not only survive but also thrive in this evolving landscape. They can play a pivotal role in driving sustainable development at the local level, ensuring that the voices of local communities are heard, and contributing to a more equitable and just world.

Disclaimer:

This blog post represents the personal opinions and views of the author. It is important to note that these views may not necessarily reflect the official positions or endorsements of the HANDS Foundation.