Book presentation: Stronger than death & Building Inclusive Communities

In collaboration with the Women’s Inclusive Team (WIT) and Oxford House, Kayd invites you to two important conversations; a book presentation and conversation with Rachel Pieh Jones on her book 'Stronger Than Death: How Annalena Tonelli Defied Terror and Tuberculosis in the Horn of Africa and we will have a conversation with Rachel about the extraordinary life and work of Annalena Tonelli. This first panel will be followed by discussion on Building Inclusive Communities with three disability activists – Hawa Kodah, Fatima Farah and Julia Modern (Inclusion London) – and reflect on practical ways to build exclusivity and promote accessibility.Panel 1:Book Presentation and conversation: Stronger Than Death - How Annalena Tonelli Defied Terror and Tuberculosis in the Horn of Africa by Rachel Pieh Jones (7:30-8:30pm)

Stronger Than Death - How Annalena Tonelli Defied Terror and Tuberculosis in the Horn of Africa' documents the life and work of Annalena Tonelli in the Horn of Africa, particularly in Somaliland. Annalena founded the first school for deaf children in Borama and tirelessly advocated for the rights and lives of the deaf community in Somaliland. Annalena Tonelli worked in over three decades in East Africa as a social activist. Annalena was assassinated in 2003 by terrorist militia whilst she was working with the deaf communities and other vulnerable communities in Borama. Author Rachel Pieh Jones will talk about the story of this remarkable woman, and her legacy. Members of the deaf community who have benefited from the school founded by Annalena, will join the conversation and share their personal reflections on Annalena’s lasting impact.Rachel Pieh Jones has written extensively about life at the crossroads of faith and culture for The New York Times, Runner’s World, and other publications. Her work is shaped by more than two decades living in Somaliland and Djibouti, raising Third Culture Kids, and exploring the natural world. Originally from Minnesota, Rachel holds two Master’s degrees and is currently pursuing a PhD in Intercultural Studies. She is also a ghostwriter, developmental editor, and the award-winning author of six books, including Stronger Than Death.Visit her at www.rachelpiehjones.com.Panel 2: Building Inclusive Communities (8:30-10pm)

Kayd will celebrate the work of three Somali disability activists who have championed building more inclusive communities: Hawa Kodah, an advocate for deaf communities in Somaliland and London; Fatima Farah, a fashion designer who designs clothes for wheelchair users. Hawa, Fatima, and Julia will reflect on the barriers they have faced in their own lives and share their ideas about how Somali communities and events can be made more accessible and inclusive. They will be joined by Julia Modern from Inclusion London, a London-based organization that supports Deaf and Disabled people’s organizations and campaigns for equality for Deaf and Disabled people. Julia will share some of the resources available to organizations and individuals in London to support building more inclusive communities.This evening will be chaired by Zahra Jibril. Zahra is a researcher, developmental worker and business woman in Somaliland. Language: English & BSL