Haben Girma is truly a living testament to the phrase, “Nothing is impossible.” Facing the dual challenge of being blind and deaf, she not only endured but honed herself to achieve remarkable milestones. At just 25, she graduated from the prestigious Harvard Law School, marking the beginning of a world-changing mission.

A Courage Forged in Experience:

Haben’s resilience was nurtured during summers spent in Eritrea. In this environment, she learned to leverage every remaining sense and confront danger head-on—the famous story of her staring down a charging bull exemplifies her raw courage and crisis management ability. These experiences shaped her into someone who simply does not accept barriers, be they biological or social.

Redefining Disability as Opportunity:

Haben is more than an advocate; she is an active innovator. She has utilized her legal expertise to hold organizations accountable for digital accessibility, arguing that digital access is a civil right.

Her impact extends beyond courtrooms and policy papers:

Global Advocacy: She has become a leading voice for disability rights, working in over 20 countries.
Technological Innovation: She actively participated in the invention and development of new braille technology, improving communication and learning for millions.
Community Action: Her work building schools in Mali underscores her belief that education is the key to breaking all barriers.
Haben Girma’s life is a powerful declaration: Disability is not a limit, but a catalyst for creativity and grit. With unyielding resilience and clear vision, she has proven that every barrier can become a bridge to a more just and accessible world.