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Celebrating Excellence in Mediation: Awards for Erick Mukiza and Aneth G. Isaya

February 9, 2025 by
ESS Team

The High Court Mediation Centre of Tanzania hosted its second annual ADR Stakeholders Award Ceremony on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at the Mlimani City Conference Centre. Under the theme, "Re-assessing Tradition and Innovation in Mediation to Strengthen the Civil Justice System in Tanzania," the event recognized individuals and organizations making significant contributions to Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in the country. The ceremony was graced by Hon. Dr. Mustapher Mohamed Siyani, the Principle Judge of the High Court of Tanzania, as the Guest of Honor.

Among the honorees were Erick Mukiza, the Founder of ESS Creative and Legal Foundation and a Spring 2024 Professional Fellows Program participant, and Ms. Aneth G. Isaya, Founder of FUWAVITA and a 2020 Professional Fellows Program alumna. Their tireless efforts in promoting inclusive ADR practices have left a lasting impact on Tanzania’s justice system.

Recognizing Transformative Contributions to ADR

In his opening remarks, Hon. Dr. Siyani highlighted the pivotal role of ADR in reducing case backlogs and fostering societal harmony. He commended stakeholders like Erick Mukiza and Aneth G. Isaya for their innovative approaches in addressing challenges within the ADR landscape.

Erick Mukiza’s groundbreaking project, Empowering Deaf and Hard of Hearing Persons in Tanzania: A Campaign for ADR Awareness, stood out as a model of innovation. Through his collaboration with the High Court Mediation Centre, Erick introduced inclusive mediation services that cater specifically to the needs of the deaf and hard-of-hearing community. His efforts included introducing High Court judges on inclusive mediation practices and equipping them with tools to accommodate individuals with special communication needs.

Ms. Aneth G. Isaya, who is deaf, has played a crucial role in her organization, FUWAVITA, by collaborating with Erick and High Court judges to empower other deaf entrepreneurs. Through her efforts, these individuals are equipped with the skills and knowledge to navigate conflicts via mediation. The partnership between ESS Creative and Legal Foundation and FUWAVITA has created a robust framework for promoting accessibility and equity in the justice system.

 Stakeholders pose for a group photo with the Main Table while holding their awards. This group includes retired judges, a High Court judge from Tanzania, traditional leaders, religious leaders, and social welfare officers.

Honoring Inclusive Mediation and Empowerment

During the ceremony, Hon. Judge Zahra Maruma, a key supporter of Erick’s initiative, praised his efforts in introducing accessible communication technologies that have transformed the mediation landscape. She shared how the project enabled the High Court Mediation Centre to provide training to deaf women entrepreneurs, empowering them to resolve disputes independently.

Erick’s introduction of speech-to-text systems and other assistive technologies has bridged communication gaps, allowing the judiciary to engage effectively with individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. This innovation has not only enhanced ADR’s accessibility but has also inspired a broader transformation within the judiciary towards inclusivity.

As Hon. Judge Maruma noted, “The mediation training provided at our center will enable these women to resolve disputes more easily because they understand their languages. Their presence here today is a testament to the power of inclusive practices.”

Awards and a Vision for the Future

The awards presented to Erick Mukiza and Aneth G. Isaya underscore the impact of their work in advancing ADR inclusivity. Their achievements demonstrate the potential of combining tradition with innovation to create a more equitable justice system.

Erick expressed his gratitude to the High Court Mediation Centre for their support and to the deaf community for their trust and participation. He emphasized the importance of continued collaboration to sustain the momentum of inclusivity in ADR.

Aneth G. Isaya echoed these sentiments, highlighting the transformative potential of empowering marginalized groups through mediation because they are also facing many legal challenges.

Sign language interpretation was provided by FUWAVITA.

A Legacy of Inclusion

The ADR Stakeholders Award Ceremony was not only a celebration of past achievements but also a call to action. Hon. Dr. Siyani reaffirmed the judiciary’s commitment to fostering inclusivity and innovation in the justice system, ensuring that no one is left behind.

As Erick Mukiza and Aneth G. Isaya received their well-deserved awards, their stories of resilience and innovation served as an inspiration to all present. Their work exemplifies the transformative power of ADR when inclusivity and accessibility are placed at its core. With leaders like Erick and Aneth paving the way, the future of ADR in Tanzania looks brighter than ever.