This archive report was first published on 9 July 2020.
July 9, 2020, marked a significant milestone for Ashura Michael, a 27-year-old deaf woman who has been making waves in Kenya's media and political landscape.
Michael, who lost her hearing at the age of 4, has never let her disability hold her back. Instead, she has used it as a catalyst to create positive change.
One of her most notable ventures is Signs TV, Kenya's first sign language TV station. Available online, the station produces a wide range of content, including news, entertainment, and sports, all presented in sign language.
What sets Signs TV apart is its commitment to inclusivity. Each show features a sign language speaker or interpreter, ensuring that viewers who are deaf or hard of hearing can fully engage with the content.
Michael herself is a regular presenter on the station, reading news bulletins and hosting a talk show. Her dedication to promoting sign language has helped demystify the language and make it more accessible to a wider audience.
But Michael's impact extends far beyond the world of media. She is also a leader and a politician, having established the Orange Disabilities League in November 2016 to promote political participation among disabled individuals.
Her efforts have not gone unnoticed. In 2019, Michael made history by becoming the first deaf individual to be elected Speaker of the East Africa Youth Parliament. She was voted into the position by around 150 youth representatives from various East African Community member states.
"This was quite an honour for me. Being recognised by your peers is a sign that they trust your leadership qualities," Michael stated of the appointment at the time.
With a diploma in law, a certificate in civil leadership from the University of Illinois, and a Bachelor of Arts in gender and development from the University of Nairobi, Michael is a true trailblazer. Her star is certainly shining bright, and her impact will be felt for years to come.
