KUWAIT: Introducing Kuwaiti Sign Language as an optional subject in schools was among the ideas discussed by participants at Fatma’s Gathering this Saturday, where conversations regularly extend beyond the weekly meetings to issues of accessibility, communication and how the language can become more widely used across Kuwaiti society. Fatma’s Gathering brings deaf and hearing women together every Saturday in the lobby of the Regency Hotel with a shared purpose: to practice Kuwaiti Sign Language, strengthen communication and create a more accessible space for deaf women in everyday society.
One idea discussed by participants is to offer Kuwaiti Sign Language as an optional subject within Kuwait’s secondary school curriculum, particularly in the literary stream, where students currently study foreign languages such as French. Participants suggested that students could be given the choice to study Kuwaiti Sign Language alongside existing language options, especially as interest in learning the language continues to grow among young Kuwaitis who may not otherwise have easy access to formal courses or regular opportunities to practice.
The idea reflects a wider point raised during the gathering: while students are encouraged to learn foreign languages, there is also value in learning a language used by members of the same society, particularly when doing so can improve everyday communication and accessibility. The gathering, known as Tajamu’ Fatma, is organized by Fatma Al Hindal, a deaf woman who brings together deaf participants, interpreters and hearing women interested in learning the language.
The initiative continues a tradition that began with Al Hindal’s late mother. "My mother used to support the deaf community and organize gatherings when I was young,” Al Hindal said through an interpreter. "I grew up with the idea and continued what she started.” Al Hindal said spreading Kuwaiti Sign Language and encouraging interaction between deaf and hearing people are among the gathering’s main aims. The meetings also provide deaf women with a space to discuss issues affecting their daily lives and access to services.
For some hearing participants, the motivation to learn is practical. One woman attending the group said she had no deaf relatives, but her interest in Kuwaiti Sign Language grew after experiencing difficulty communicating with a deaf colleague at work. She now uses the Saturday meetings as one of the spaces where she can practice directly with deaf women and strengthen her communication skills.
The gatherings began before the COVID 19 pandemic, paused during the restrictions and later resumed. While they remain informal and social, participants also use them to exchange experiences and raise concerns about accessibility. Among those involved is Maryam Al Harbi, a Kuwaiti Sign Language interpreter. Together with interpreter Sarah Al Kanderi, she runs the Instagram account @the.ksl.duo, which provides interpretation and accessible content across subjects ranging from first aid courses and emergency guidance to discussions about writing and artificial intelligence.
One recurring concern among the community members, is communication with government and private institutions. Al Hindal and participants called for wider access to sign language interpretation, including the use of video interpreting services. Under such a system, a deaf person visiting a ministry, hospital or other institution could connect by video with an available sign language interpreter, who could facilitate communication with employees remotely. Participants said this could make access faster and more practical without requiring an interpreter to be physically present at every location.
Emergency communication has also been raised by participants of the group. Deaf community members were among those who expressed concern about warning sirens during periods of regional conflict, particularly when they could not hear the alarms or immediately understand what was happening. Participants welcomed emergency alerts sent directly to mobile phones, where visual notifications and vibration can help attract attention, while emphasizing that deaf people should also receive complete and accessible information about the nature of an emergency and the precautions they need to take.
Beyond these concerns, the gathering itself demonstrates how naturally Kuwaiti Sign Language can be learned through interaction. Women are encouraged to attend regardless of their level of fluency or whether they have any previous connection to the deaf community. Participants said direct contact allows hearing women to practice the language in a relaxed setting while deaf women share their language and experiences. Al Hindal hopes Fatma’s Gathering can continue to grow, welcome more deaf participants and receive further support for activities and trips with interpreters available when needed.