BIM POETRY - Empowering Deaf Women in Malaysia Through Sign Poetry presented by MyBIM

Read (
Words) Add Comment Edit

Aww.... As we all know, International Women's Day, which falls on March 8th, is a global day dedicated to celebrating women's social, economic, cultural, and political achievements. What an interesting event that I participated in a virtual poetry in ZOOM on 26th of February at 8.30pm till 10.30pm where Malaysian Deaf Women express their empowerment through their BIM Poetry. It's truly incredible.

Credit photo to MyBIM

MyBIM (Persatuan Bahasa Isyarat Malaysia dan Pengajian Pekak/Malaysian Sign Language and Deaf Studies Association) collaborated with the British Council on the event, and the British Council contributed and provided training for Deaf Women for the programme. Do you know what BIM is? BIM is an unique identity and name that describes the sign language used by Malaysia's Deaf community. Known as Bahasa Isyarat Malaysia/Malaysian Sign Language)

First and foremost, I am proud to be Deaf and would like to congratulate 13 Deaf women who put in a lot of effort for the training and were able to produce six poems in a few months. Those women were guided and trained by poet educators Paula Clarke, a deaf educator, and Elanie Foster and Dr Sheena Baharuddin, a hearing poet educator, as well as Jessica Mak and Ho Koon Wei, Deaf Women Leaders in Malaysia. Furthermore, myBIM gives away 20 BIM Dictionary books to those who join the ZOOM. Congratulations to those who won in a Lucky Draw.

So exciting! Ready? Let's watch the video and try to understand what those women who expressed their empowerment through BIM poem in the video meant. Each video have a short summary of the poem provided below. Just relax and enjoy the video. The video credits to MyBIM. 

The Emotions

A girl was born deaf, but she was happy and loved by her family. Her perspective on life changes as she ages. She was further hampered by her inability to communicate in her native language. It wasn't pleasant; it was unbearable. She realised she wasn't alone, that every girl had felt the same way. She regained her inspiration and happiness.


Solo Female Travellers

Everyone enjoys travelling to different parts of the world to experience different cultures. Despite the numerous risks and obstacles, some people are hesitant to do so. As a woman and a Deaf person, it's even terrifying. Is travelling alone risky? She finds happiness until she decides to break through, and she always finds a way to overcome any obstacles. If she can do it, so you can!


Neglected Women

It is not easy to grow up as a woman. Women are generally perceived as less and weaker than men and are subjected to unequal treatment. These can be found in places like the workplace, households, marriage, and so on. Regardless of the obstacles, women have the same capabilities as men.


Deaf Motherhood

Even today, some people believe that Deaf women are incapable of caring for their own children. They were subjected to a great deal of prejudice and criticism. Mothers, on the other hand, will always have their maternal instincts. They are aware of their responsibilities and rights when it comes to nurturing and raising their own child.


Do Not Rape

Rape is a serious crime that occurs on a regular basis. Many women have suffered as a result of men's insatiable lust. They will never look at life in the same way again. They would see themselves as broken, filthy, ugly, incapable of facing others, and a variety of other negative traits. Women who have been hurt need to know that they are not to blame. Family and friends must provide them with a safe and supportive environment. As a result, they will be able to reclaim their confidence and advocate for women's rights. Women who are deaf are much more powerful than they realise.


Empower Women

Women have long been subjected to inequity and unequal treatment, as well as domestic violence and bullying. This has to come to an end. It's time to demonstrate their strength and power. Women have the right to be free, to express themselves, and to be in charge of their lives. We are all in this world together.

Dr Anthony Chong (Malaysia) conceptualised the Empowering Deaf Women in Malaysia Through Sign Poetry project, which was supported by Shane Gilchrist (UK). Behind the scenes, Chong and Gilchrist co-led the project to provide a safe and creative space for the project's female participants to create poems.

The idea was sparked by the 2021 release of Dr. Anthony Chong's BIM poem "The Poet Is The Poem." Elaine Foster received grants from Connections Through Culture (CTC) in 2019 to help fund the creation of the BIM poem.

Overall, BIM Poetry could give an inspiration for every Deaf indirectly. BIM Poetry is a truly beautiful sign language by expressing the expression, feeling, emotion and action. Absolutely, BIM is a part of the culture and identify for Deaf Malaysia Community. Happy International Women Day to all Women. 

If you want to stay up to date on myBIM news, visit their Facebook page at



CONVERSATION

0 comments:

Post a Comment

Thank You for Your Comment!

Subscribe to: Post Comments ( Atom )

Instagram

Instagram

Follow Us