Murang'a: In a remarkable display of resilience, three ladies with hearing impairments from Murang'a have proven that disability is not synonymous with inability. Despite the challenges they face, Evelyn Wanjiku, Gathefa Wairimu, and Pauline Gathoni have secured and maintained jobs at a local beauty shop within Murang'a town, where they continue to thrive in their work environment.
According to Kenya News Agency, the three young women shared in an interview how they manage to communicate and provide excellent service to their customers despite their inability to speak or hear. They work as tellers in a beauty shop located at the heart of Murang'a town with a branch at Mukuyu market in the outskirts of the town.
One of the strategies they use to communicate with their customers is to wear a visible tag that notifies customers of their condition, their names, and encourages them to use sign language. In instances where a customer may not be familiar with sign language, the young ladies use a paper and pen to write down messages, allowing both parties to understand each other clearly.
Evelyn Wanjiku, using sign language, explained that she is 26 years old and attended Murang'a school for the deaf for both her primary and secondary education. After completing school, she stayed at home with her parents for several years, but due to hardships and lack of source of livelihood, she decided to search for a job, opting to go from shop to shop asking for any employment opportunity. Her current employer initially was hesitant to hire her but gave her a chance to prove herself. Since January this year, Wanjiku has been working in the beauty shop and says customers have embraced her condition and she can easily communicate with those frequently buying from the shop.
Similarly, Gathefa Wairimu commenced working at the beauty shop in October last year. Wairimu said she did not study any course in beauty but she has learnt on the job after securing the employment opportunity, thereby gaining experience on various products of the beauty industry. In her struggle to secure employment, she narrated that many employers did not take a chance on her, and she almost gave up looking for work. However, her current employer decided to hire her, giving her an opportunity to prove her capabilities. Wairimu urged people to try and learn sign language, even if only the basics, stating that it would go a long way in making communication easier for people with hearing impairments.
Her story is no different from that of Pauline Gathoni, who also faced numerous rejections while looking for a job because no one was willing to take a chance on her. As a mother of one, Gathoni had to put herself out there to make ends meet and take care of her young one. She expressed her gratitude to her employer for giving her an opportunity to prove that disability is not inability. Gathoni urged all employers to give people like her equal chances to work and earn a living.
Their colleague, Gerald King'ori, who works alongside them, described the three ladies as exceptionally friendly and eager to attend to customers. 'They are always very punctual and reliable when it comes to work,' he remarked, adding, 'They are organized, honest, and truly dedicated to their job, which makes working with them a rewarding experience.'
Their employer, Kariuki Muraya, expressed his support for their employment, stating that his decision to hire them was based on his belief in inclusivity. 'I believe everyone, regardless of their physical condition, is capable of performing well in different lines of duty,' he observed. Muraya encouraged others with employment opportunities to consider giving persons with disabilities a chance, arguing that often, they may even outperform their peers in certain areas.
Despite the positive environment, the ladies face a unique challenge noting some customers display impatience when they are unable to communicate immediately. This can usually lead to a drop in sales as some customers are not willing to wait for the ladies to write down their messages. However, the young ladies remain committed to their work, and with the support of their colleagues and employer, they continue to prove that determination and inclusivity can lead to success in any field.