Category: Our Volunteers

The TWB Community agrees: you love helping others with your language skills

Hey community members – what’s important to you? Our 2023 TWB Community Survey results are in!

Is TWB the world’s largest community of humanitarian language volunteers? We think so. Is it the most committed? Definitely! 

The TWB Community: over 100,000 language volunteers provide language services to support humanitarian and development organizations worldwide. Together, we’re helping people get vital information and be heard when it matters most. The TWB Community is at the heart of CLEAR Global, the nonprofit set to improve global communication and access to information for speakers of marginalized languages. 

In this blog post, you will find 6 important takeaways from your feedback, and learn what’s new for 2024.

Each year, we ask for your thoughts on the TWB experience. Your feedback shapes our strategies, how we support our community, and plan initiatives for the year ahead. At the end of 2023, we asked our community members to share their honest opinions anonymously, and we received nearly 1,400 responses.

  • Are you satisfied with your experience?
  • TWB Platform – satisfaction
  • TWB volunteers’ experience

The majority of community members remain motivated to volunteer to help others, contribute to a good cause,  and gain experience to enrich their professional profiles. You are asking for more content to work on, and more training to help you grow your skills. We hear you and are doing everything we can to meet your needs! We aim to make our community and your experience as impactful and valuable as possible.

Click to view the full survey results for 2023 on our interactive dashboard

Watch the highlights in this multilingual video, prepared for you by some CLEAR Global team members! 

1. New Partner Teams make it easier to volunteer, access projects, and collaborate

We know you’re busy! You are looking for shorter tasks and the option to plan your workload ahead of time. We are grateful to everyone who makes time to include volunteer tasks in their busy schedules. 

For that reason, we want to make it easier for you to choose your projects and plan your schedule so it’s easier to get involved. That’s why we’re introducing new Partner Teams! 

Most of our community members are employed or self-employed – click to see the full results.

“Make the delivery times a little longer so that you can have the chance to accept a job; often I’m already booked out with my paid jobs and if the TWB schedule is too tight, I can’t take on any TWB jobs.”

TWB Community member, 35-44, Germany

TWB’s Partner Teams facilitate planning, communication, feedback, and knowledge sharing among community members. They also enable you to commit to your choice of projects and task types with pre-assigned workloads. We have already launched some teams to support partner organizations such as the Aquaculture Stewardship Council and UNICEF-Spotify. 

“Thank you for all the additional information: it is quite luxurious to have all this at my disposal.” 

TWB Community member Anne-Marie is grateful for the new Partner Teams experience.
A zoom meeting showing 15 participants smiling for the camera. They're all in different locations with different backgrounds
One of our Partner Teams meeting for the first time!

2. You want even more opportunities – beyond humanitarian translation

“I would like to get more updates on tasks in my native language so that I can dedicate some time every week for volunteering.”

TWB Community Member, 45-54, India

What’s cited as the number one reason survey respondents haven’t volunteered with TWB yet or volunteer less frequently than they’d like to? There are not always enough projects available for everyone who wants to support us. So, we’re providing exciting new opportunities for volunteers to engage. By expanding our range of volunteer activities, we aim to ensure that everyone can find meaningful ways to contribute, learn, and make a difference. You can sign up for our newsletter for the chance to contribute to our awareness days and initiatives. 

  • In 2020, almost half of survey respondents said they had yet to volunteer with TWB.
  • In 2021, a third of respondents hadn’t volunteered yet.
  • By 2023, the situation had improved, only 24% of respondents flagged this issue.

You’ll also see us create new roles; you could volunteer as an advisor or training creator. And, we are working hard to diversify our service offerings to capture the skills and talents our community offers. In the first quarter of this year, we collaborated with volunteers and provided training so they could become plain language editors, forum advisors, content creators, and training experts. 

We are grateful for the many ways you support our work and empower your language communities. And we are eager to take our collaboration to the next level. 

“Being involved in other community tasks apart from translation, proofreading, and reviewing alone. Making more content available in my language pairs hence more information and engagement with my community.”

TWB Community member, 35-44, Uganda
  • Faria, TWB Community member
    Faria, TWB Community member
  • Mariana, TWB Community member smiling at the camera with trees in the background
    Mariana, TWB Community member
  • Kateryna, TWB Community member sat on a grassy hill
    Kateryna, TWB Community member
Some of our TWB Community content creators. Find their stories and more from women at TWB.

3. Improving your user experience – centralized access to information 

Some of you told us you need help finding relevant information on navigating the TWB Platform and accessing support. In response to your concerns, we’re making navigation and browsing easier. Soon, you’ll be able to access all essential resources and knowledge-based threads in one centralized place. The most important information will be separate from the other conversations and exchanges in the community forum. 

We will dedicate the forum exclusively to conversations and community-building and try to foster a stronger sense of community. We are also committed to making it easier for community members to interact on the forum, bringing us to the next takeaway.

“Help by making instructions clear and simple. Provide simple instructions that are easily accessible directly to me.”

TWB Community member, 18-24, Malaysia

4. You want more interactions, networking, and connections

Your feedback raised another important point: our community members would appreciate more ways to interact with others who speak their languages. The remote nature of our work makes it difficult for people to interact face-to-face. We are transforming the community forum into a hub for connection. Our new Partner Teams are designed to facilitate deeper connections among individuals who speak the same languages and collaboration across linguistic boundaries.

“When a translation is split into separate parts, enable communication across all parts, not just within the same file.”

TWB Community member, 25-34, Germany
TWB Community members left to right: Jeff and Ursuline. 

5. You’re ready to advance your skills: discover our training plans 

You told us you like the TWB Learning Center and are excited to see more training courses become available. The most popular topic suggestions include language services, content creation, training development, data validation, and community management. 

Last year, we launched our TWB Learning Center and made several new online courses available, from the most popular Basics of Humanitarian Interpreting to an Introduction to Machine Translation and Post-Editing. We recently introduced How Recruitment Works, designed to equip community members with essential insights into navigating the job market. This self-paced, interactive resource offers practical examples to enhance your employability and professional development.

Training and learning: 492 respondents said they have already taken part in a TWB translator course, training webinar, or used our resources. Click to see the full results. 

Building on the success of our Translator Training course, upcoming courses will be designed to enhance your language service skills and professionalism. Stay tuned for future courses on the TWB Learning Center. 

“To make my experience better it’s a matter of adding more skills, tools, and options.”

TWB Community member, 35-44, South Sudan

“Since I haven’t been able to volunteer yet, I would appreciate it if the TWB Learning Centre could open more classes so I can keep learning and expand my knowledge.”

TWB Community member, 18-24, Indonesia

6.  We’re diversifying our community outreach

We are excited to see our community demographics evolve, with a growing number of seniors and retirees among our members. We are grateful for the experience and knowledge more seasoned professionals bring to our community. We also noted fewer students and younger members (aged 18-24) responded. This year, we will build communities among university students. We continually refine our onboarding, training, and feedback processes to ensure people just starting in the language industry have the right support to succeed. 

Our community demographics by age – Click to see the full results. 

If you know a language, localization, or translation student eager to make a difference, we encourage you to share the opportunity to join the TWB Community. 

And share this blog with a friend!

“I’m really satisfied with my experience. You’re very kind and committed to your job.

You’re always happy to help volunteers with their tasks whenever there’s a problem, so you make us feel comfortable and supported doing our tasks.“

TWB Community member, 55+, Argentina

Reflecting on the TWB Community Survey Results for 2023, it’s clear that a commitment to humanitarian service and professional growth continues to be your main driver. As always, we are grateful to have the support of so many diverse, talented, and experienced contributors to our mission. Thank you for your dedication, passion, generosity, and unwavering support. 

Have you joined the TWB Community yet? Sign up today.

Women’s rights and language access

Support women’s rights and women change-makers with TWB – because inclusion is essential to creating a more equal world

Support women change-makers with TWB

We believe in celebrating women every day – because inclusion and rights are essential to creating a better, more equal, and sustainable world. This year, on International Women’s Day, we’re excited to spotlight and say thanks to the powerful women who make up two-thirds of our TWB Community! Together, this incredible global community of language volunteers translates millions of words to accelerate progress and inclusion. Committed to giving their time and sharing their skills, they’re helping marginalized people including other women and girls to get vital information and be heard.

In northeast Nigeria, where thousands of people are displaced by conflict, our research shows that access barriers exclude sections of the population from vital communications and even aid. Women, marginalized language speakers, and people living with disabilities face particular difficulties getting the information they need and being heard. Read on to learn how we work with local humanitarians to ensure they’re informed about affected people’s language use and can offer accessible channels to reach even the most marginalized groups. 

We know from decades of experience that we can bridge the gaps between affected communities and responders by more routinely communicating and listening in a wider range of languages and formats. That’s where the TWB Community comes in. Our Nigerian-language-speaking community members translate critical information and resources. This blog looks at how we are helping to increase access and trust in the country’s camps for internally displaced people.

Join us as we share some remarkable stories of women in our TWB Community who advocate for women’s rights and language access. From amplifying voices to breaking down barriers, their experiences inspire us all to create inclusive and empowering spaces. It’s time to act: and it starts with listening. When we meet women’s and girls’ language and communication needs and create resources that work for everyone, we can make real, inclusive change. 

How language unites women to tell their stories 

In this heartfelt narrative, Peace Nkasiobi Agbo, an Igbo speaker and TWB Community member from Nigeria shares her journey of resilience and determination. In many parts of the globe, women and girls navigate constraints on their futures, their education, their rights as women, and their own sexual and reproductive health. Our community members translate critical information and resources, helping people get answers, know their rights, and be heard. From challenging stereotypes to advocating for linguistic diversity, Peace’s story resonates deeply with our mission. 

Peace, Nkasiobi Agbo, TWB Community member

About Peace, Nkasiobi Agbo, Igbo speaker in Nigeria. 

“Peace, Nkasiobi Agbo is my name. I am from Eastern Nigeria, Enugu State specifically, a place known for its brown earth and hilly landscape. We speak the Igbo language, a variety slightly different from central Igbo. People are often surprised when I speak my language because they wonder how I can speak so fluently even though I was not born in my state of origin and never grew up there. I grew up in the Southern part of Nigeria and they are multilingual. I attribute my ability to speak, read, and write in my mother tongue to my gregarious nature, strong curiosity, and versatility. I am a fast learner, who pays attention to detail and is open to new experiences.”

Investing in education for all – women, girls, and marginalized language speakers

“Girls typically receive little or no educational investment from their family as there is a cultural belief that they’re bound to leave home one day to their husband’s house where they will be useful. So why invest? However, my parents were of a different school of thought and would cut down on luxuries to ensure we had quality education. So fortunately, despite living in an environment that expects female children to be subservient, I went to good schools and competed with my male counterparts as a child.”

“As a girl, you are not limited and you have a voice. Use it and stand/speak up.” 

Peace Nkasiobi Agbo, TWB Community member
Peace Nkasiobi Agbo profile shot head and shoulders, with a serious expression on her face

“Growing up, it was clear to me that women were not supposed to aspire too high because it could potentially intimidate men. Too much education and too much societal affluence for a woman was ‘not good.’ Anyway, in 2014, I was accepted into a university to study English and Literary Studies. 90% of my coursemates were female – there were stereotypes about studying languages. Despite studying languages, most people thought it impolite to correct someone’s grammar. So, while speaking with anyone, I was conscious of not using a high-sounding vocabulary in case I appeared too proud or intimidating. Nevertheless, speaking my mother tongue alone hindered effective communication as my environment was multilingual. So, the English language inevitably became my main language of communication.”

Hope for women and girls’ rights  

“I have always wished I could access all information in my mother language but that is like asking everyone in the world to learn to speak my mother tongue. To date, language barriers have strengthened exclusion. People like me have lost opportunities – because I am from the Igbo-speaking tribe. A tribe that is stereotyped to be proud, domineering, and very zealous – sometimes in the wrong way. This false stereotype puts people on the defensive once you mention your tribe.  However, my language connects me to my ancestral roots and tells a strong of great men and women who fought for my country’s independence.”

“I have a one-year-old daughter who understands the Igbo language more than any other language and it’s often mesmerizing how people worry that she may never learn to speak English, even though her mother is an English language major. It is important to me that I build her confidence and teach her my mother language which is a major part of her identity. Also learning English is another way for her to develop her ability to master other languages. As a girl, you are not limited and you have a voice. Use it and stand/speak up.” 

Untold stories – women can break language barriers

“I have had the privilege to teach English Language to a class of over 200 girls. I shared their struggles and ability to express themselves in the English language. A lot of these girls had untold stories and experiences waiting to be penned. The pain of being a girl and the fear of being married off once they are done with secondary school lingered in the minds of some of these girls. It is part of my desire that young girls can express themselves in their language, and tell their stories without fear or worry about how they tell it and in what language. We can break language barriers.”

Peace, Nkasiobi Agbo, TWB Community member

Improving access and trust in northeast Nigeria

Our sociolinguistic research offers specific, localized insights into communication barriers

and the intersectional, compounding role of language in marginalization.

Marginalized groups including women in conflict-affected northeast Nigeria face specific challenges accessing information and being heard: 

  • 54% of affected people and humanitarians consulted said that speakers of marginalized languages don’t get information directly.
  • Religious and cultural barriers prevent many women from attending meetings, and from speaking freely when they do. Female focus group participants say they depend on their husbands, in-laws, and neighbors for information.
  • People are not able to get the information they need if they cannot read, or cannot read well: literacy levels are low in northeast Nigeria, particularly among women. Participants expressed a preference for information with little text. 
  • Speakers of marginalized languages often cannot get information in their language, as humanitarians typically communicate in the dominant language of the camp, typically Hausa or Kanuri. Speakers of Fulfulde/Fulani, Marghi, Glavda, Mandara, Gamargu, and Shuwa face particular problems and rely on relatives, friends, and neighbors to interpret for them.
  • There is no consistent provision for sign language users. Deaf people in the camps rely on family and friends to get information and to help them make complaints or give feedback.

“I called the hotline and they spoke in English so I dropped the call.” 

Young female FGD participant, Gwoza

Unequal challenges for women are echoed around the world. CLEAR Global provides guidance  and supports humanitarian organizations to address language issues and expand information access. Specifically in northeast Nigeria we recommend that responders: 

  • Use multiple channels to share information with the widest possible audience, including multilingual audio messaging, loudspeakers for community leaders to relay information, and print materials with field-tested graphics and limited text.
  • Expand and strengthen listening – such as radio listening programs and effective two-way complaints and feedback systems to enable responders to listen to affected communities’ concerns.
  • Communicate in the languages of camp residents, including relevant sign languages, and provide interpreters with training; use plain language for everyone to understand.

From simple translated documents to localized pictorials, videos, and chatbots – solutions must be in the right language, and they must work for women.

Support women’s rights with TWB and CLEAR Global  

Let’s unite to speak up for women’s rights, promote access for all, and embrace the richness of language diversity. By listening to and investing in women, we can inspire inclusion together.

With the TWB community of over 100,000 language volunteers, CLEAR Tech’s AI language solutions, and CLEAR Insights’ research and partnerships, we are set to improve global communication and information access.

Learn more about what we do. 

Become a nonprofit partner to get: 

  • Language services including written and audio translation, terminology support, pictorial messaging, plain language review, sign languages, and more
  • In-person and remote training to strengthen your translation and interpreting capacity and skills like plain language to improve communication in emergencies
  • Specific language guidance, data, analysis and tools for an evidence-driven understanding of what works for the most marginalized.
  • Opportunities to collaborate on global multilingual resources like written, audio and video glossaries to support PSEA and COVID-19 response.

Or join the TWB Community today 

  • Provide language support to local and global nonprofit organizations
  • Contribute to making information accessible, inclusive, and useful to people who need vital information in their language. Learn more. 

Read more from TWB women: 

  • Peace shared her story about overcoming cultural barriers to getting support after trauma, sexual exploitation, abuse, or harm.  
  • Chandler’s story: how lack of support in her native language meant lack of justice: recounting domestic violence in a foreign language.
  • Faria’s story on breaking stereotypes to embrace equity and ensure fair access to information and STEM education for minority girls.
  • Mariana explores why it’s time to change the narrative on vulnerability, embrace equit, and make women visible.
  • Maria’s story is one of defying gender inequality with a successful women-led translation services company. 

Recently featured: 

  • Olena on why she volunteers as a humanitarian translator, supporting her community in a crisis, and e-learning to grow her skills.
  • Celebrating linguistic diversity and mother languages, TWB Community members Okafor and Chinwendu embrace the power of language to make access to information on education, health, and climate change more equal.

Tell your story 

Have you overcome language challenges or helped promote women’s rights with the TWB Commnity?

Tag us on social media #InspireInclusion #TWBCommunity

Celebrating linguistic diversity and mother languages

Sharing TWB community member stories from Nigeria 

On International Mother Language Day, we’re celebrating the richness of linguistic diversity around the world, with a special focus on the TWB Community. 

We are proud to spotlight some of our 100,000+ community members. Each person brings their unique experiences and skills to their role as a language volunteer. And we all come together for a common purpose – to embrace the power of language and communication for a more inclusive and informed world. 

CLEAR Global and TWB logos on water bottle hat and bag, International Mother Language Day

Embracing language and technology to change lives 

In parts of the world, as much as 90% of the population still do not have access to education in a language they speak or understand. Increasing numbers of children face migration and displacement, making language inclusion critical for their futures. Too many people face exclusion which is detrimental to their education, health, and livelihood opportunities, because of the language they speak. 

At TWB and CLEAR Global, we’re dedicated to bridging the language divide to create real, impactful change – better access and better communication. Thanks to TWB Community members worldwide, we’re empowering marginalized language speakers to get and share vital information in the languages they speak. These powerful stories show the importance of communication and support in someone’s mother language. 

The power of language to unite us all

Hear from TWB Community members Okafor Nkechi and Chinwendu Peace Anyanwu from Nigeria. Learn about their experiences volunteering with the TWB Community to contribute to humanitarian and development projects that support their language communities. These translators have chosen to embrace the power of language and technology worldwide to bring impactful change – equal access to education, health, and climate change information for all.

About Okafor Nkechi, Igbo interpreter and translator in Nigeria

“I am passionate about bridging linguistic gaps and ensuring effective communication between different language speakers. As a member of the TWB Community, I have contributed to projects aimed at improving language inclusion and accessibility. This work ensures that language is not a barrier to accessing vital information and services, particularly for marginalized communities who speak Igbo.”

Okafor

What does it feel like to grow up learning a second language? 

“As a child, I learned in both Igbo, my mother language, and English, as a second language. Learning in a second language posed challenges such as understanding complex concepts and expressing myself fluently. However, through dedication and support, I overcame these obstacles. 

Growing up, I was exposed to a tapestry of my mother tongue which resonated deep within my soul. As I navigated through school, my love for languages grew stronger. I practiced speaking and writing in my mother tongue, and from that, I dreamed of a future where I could use my linguistic skills to make a difference in the world.”

Imagine a more equal future – no one left behind because of language

“One day, while traveling in transit to another state, I saw two different people. One was speaking my mother language, Igbo, while the other was speaking English and it was so difficult for the old women to understand. They struggled to communicate with the missionaries who spoke only in English. Seeing the frustration and confusion on both sides, I felt a fire ignite within me. At that moment, I knew that I had found my calling to be a bridge between those worlds, to ensure that no one was left behind simply because of a language barrier. 

From that day on, I dedicated myself to mastering the art of interpretation. Being an interpreter was more than just a job, it was a passion, a way of honoring my roots and preserving my heritage. I hoped to inspire others to embrace the beauty of their mother tongue and recognize the power of language to unite us all.” 

“My workspace” – Okafor

Hope for inclusive education:

“Inclusive education requires addressing language barriers by providing resources and support for students learning in their mother tongue or a second language. This can include bilingual education programs, culturally relevant teaching materials, and language support services. 

We can make education more inclusive by providing relevant, multilingual education resources, programs, and support for students and teachers. Where possible, we should make education as accessible as possible, whatever someone’s language or communication needs. By training educators on inclusive teaching strategies and celebrating cultural diversity, we can both embrace and respect learners’ identities and needs.”

Mother language access – why is it important to your community? 

“Access to essential services such as health, climate change information, and education in Igbo is crucial for effective communication and understanding within the community. It empowers individuals to make informed decisions and promotes cultural preservation.

Accessing important communications in my mother language, Igbo, is vital for several reasons: 

  • Health services: Understanding medical information, and treatment instructions, and communicating with healthcare providers in Igbo ensures clarity and accuracy in healthcare decisions. It helps to promote patient safety and improves health outcomes by reducing misunderstandings or misinterpretations due to language barriers. 
  • Climate change information: Climate change affects communities globally, including those who speak Igbo. Accessing information on climate change,  its impacts, and mitigation strategies in Igbo allows for greater understanding and engagement within the community. It empowers individuals to take appropriate actions to address environmental challenges and adapt to changing conditions. 
  • Education: Learning in one’s mother language enhances comprehension and retention of knowledge. Access to education in Igbo facilitates a deeper understanding of academic concepts, promotes cultural identity and pride, and strengthens language proficiency. It ensures that all members of the community have equitable access to quality education, regardless of their linguistic background. 

By providing these essential communications in Igbo, we promote inclusivity, empower individuals, and strengthen community resilience. Access to important communications in their language helps reaffirm Igbo speakers’ cultural identity. It acknowledges the value of respecting linguistic diversity in an increasingly interconnected world. Making crucial conversations accessible in Igbo empowers individuals to actively participate in society and engage with essential services and information. It promotes inclusivity,  ensuring that all community members, regardless of their language, age or background, have more equal access to resources and opportunities.”

– Responses by Okafor Nkechi, TWB Community member. 

About Chinwendu Peace Anyanwu, Igbo speaker in Nigeria. 

“I am a native speaker of the Igbo language. I am a linguist. I studied Linguistics and Igbo language at the University of Benin Edo State, Nigeria. I am passionate about language studies and this persuaded me to join several language volunteer programs to help promote, preserve, document, and revitalize languages on the verge of endangerment. I am a translator and an editor.”

Chinwendu

Not allowed to speak your mother language 

The challenges of learning in a second language 

“I got my primary education in my language community [Igbo], it was easier for me to adapt as my parents were competent native speakers and I was able to acquire my first language from this setting. I learned my second language (English) in school but my first language wasn’t neglected. Acquiring Igbo as a first language was an effort made by my parents because, in schools, we were restricted from speaking vernacular, as was called by the teachers then. Sometimes, we were told to speak English and that anyone who speaks the Igbo language will have their name on the blacklist by the class prefect. So it wasn’t easier then for children who were not opportune to have their mother tongue as their first language and this gave rise to them seeing their indigenous or mother tongue as a thing of ridicule. The experience was not fair at all and they also replayed some parts of it in the secondary class, where you must debate and present in a foreign language. If you speak your mother tongue you are seen as unintelligible or you are called ‘igbotic’ or ‘local.’ 

Why study Igbo? – embracing your mother language

This didn’t stop, even in university, though my university education was not in my language. We were always stereotyped as one with a particular mother tongue/accent and this can even push some set of individuals to avoid speaking in public. This scenario led us to learn Benin pidgin English to the extent that it became hard for us to communicate with our mother tongue even among siblings. The thing about all these is when you adapt to different settings you find yourself seeing your language as one made for local champions. This has affected the Igbo language severely as it barely has young competent native speakers and writers. Even when you tell somone your course is Igbo language, the question will be “Why study Igbo? Of all the courses.” It has not been a fair experience, and not involving our mother tongue as the language of education affected our language and deprived us of having everything accessible in our own language.”

Chinwendu

What information is most important for you to be able to access in your mother language?

“The most accessible communications are education, but through different language revitalization platforms like TWB and Wikimedia, we are striving to have more communications in my mother language, especially on climate change and health. 

This is very important as having all words in all languages breaks the knowledge gap barrier and can actually save lives. Having the sum of all human knowledge in every language is a great thing as communication and solution to problems would be easier.” 

– Responses by Chinwendu Peace Anyanwu, TWB Community member. 

A huge thank you to our contributors for International Mother Language Day, whose stories remind us to embrace diversity, break barriers, and promote linguistic equality. 

Will you join us? About TWB

The Translators without Borders (TWB) Community is at the heart of CLEAR Global, a nonprofit helping people get vital information and be heard, whatever language they speak. By joining the TWB Community, you’ll join over 100,000 people volunteering remotely from around the world to make meaningful change through language.

You’ll get a chance to provide language support to local and global organizations, helping bridge communication gaps between them and people living through a crisis – and beyond. You’ll contribute significantly to making information accessible, inclusive, and useful to people who need that information in their language.

You, too, can join the movement for a world where every voice is heard, and every language matters. Here’s how you can get involved: 

Read more on the TWB blog – discover more community member stories told by them. 

Why volunteer as a humanitarian translator?

The best gift to humanity is inclusion

International Mother Language Day is a moment to celebrate humanitarian translation and promote inclusive conversations for everyone. When we create innovative technology, information, and resources in people’s mother languages, we unlock the potential for everyone to get and share vital knowledge. 

Photo: Pexels

We believe that no language should be left behind in the global effort for equitable, sustainable progress. CLEAR Global and Translators without Borders (TWB) offer a space for anyone, anywhere to share their language skills, support humanitarian translation and development efforts globally, and connect with like-minded volunteers. 

With the TWB Learning Center, our community members can gain experience in humanitarian translation and learn in-demand language industry skills. Frequently updated with new, self-paced online translation courses, it’s a great way for newcomers and language professionals alike to develop their skills and create a positive social impact. It’s how Olena first found the opportunity to use her language skills to help people. The TWB Community brings together over 100,000 language volunteers remotely, helping people get vital information and be heard, whatever language they speak. Our community members help our nonprofit partners worldwide provide lifesaving multilingual messages, ensuring everyone can understand. We encourage everyone to join the TWB Community – to connect, grow, learn, and make an impact.

Now, meet Olena, a community member from Ukraine, living in Italy, who discovered TWB in 2020. Her story shows the power of e-learning to grow humanitarian translation skills and support people with critical health, migration, and welfare information, especially when a crisis hits your homeland.

Olena’s story – discovering humanitarian translation 

When I was discovering the vast world of translation, some three years ago, something whispered inside me: “Here you are, you have your stable job in a company. You have your dream to be a freelancer and to work with languages… and you have this tremendous bundle of doubts wrapping all around you. You have started studying the opportunities, but you will never start to break these ‘strands of doubt’ until you start acting!” 

“Do something CONCRETE!” That was the message that overwhelmed me for many days, while I kept dealing with customer support and translating the manuals for the latest technological machines producing precast CONCRETE. A curious play of words. Vital.

The doubt kept growing – how could I do it? I already translate a lot at my job. I knew that translations needed time, and could not guarantee any deadlines working full-time as an employee. One of the online courses on the TWB Learning Center opened a new world to me – volunteer humanitarian translation. 

Photo: Jason Goodman, Unsplash

Taking action – joining the TWB Community

And so, I started doing something concrete. I joined the Translators without Borders community, attended their introduction courses, and simply started translating. I had time and could meet deadlines because I could look at the active projects (which are usually not very massive and allow a certain flexibility). I could choose the ones that fit my schedule, and work on them online. 

My initial expectations, i.e., to enter the translators’ community and gain experience, were met and exceeded. I received useful training in humanitarian translations and enhanced my technological skills working on the online CAT (computer-assisted translation) platform provided for these tasks. By the end of the first year, I was quite confident about my skills as a translator and reviser, my translation speed, and eventual specialisms. I received my first notes of recognition from fellow translators and project managers, followed by a global TWB recognition program. And last but not least, I felt my job was important at some global humanitarian level. A wonderful, refreshing sense of contributing to a greater cause.

Photo: Gabriella Clare Marino, Unsplash

Translating for health, migrants, and Ukraine 

I happened to start translating during 2020, submerged in an unexpected pandemic. There was a lot of content on safety and healthcare leaflets and procedures, local regulations, and informative brochures, with the vast majority of materials for migrants and refugees. Then, the war started in my native land of Ukraine. 

I have come to understand one vital problem faced by people suffering from disasters worldwide – language barriers. That very barrier results in an impossibility of asking or getting information, unawareness of the risks and unpreparedness to handle various events, an oppressive feeling of being excluded, ignored, abandoned, losing control of the situation, and depending on someone or something vague. Information and confidence mean a lot to people. It can be a matter of getting relief, signaling new dangers, and even saving lives.

Lviv, Ukraine – March 2, 2022. Evacuees from eastern Ukraine in bus station of Lviv waiting for the bus to Poland. — Source: DepositPhotos

Giving a lot, gaining a lot

I have been giving a lot, and gaining a lot. 

In 2023, I managed to break the ultimate “strands of doubt” keeping me away from my dream. I needed time, and my time has come. After 18 years working for private companies, investing my skills into the fields that were not quite inspiring for my inner self, I decided to accomplish my inspirations, and so I am at the start of a new journey now. And in the meantime, I continue my volunteer activity as well. It didn’t even come to mind to give it up. It has become part of my life now.

Some may think of me as an idealist, but I like to think that my small contribution can make the world better. And I say a special thanks to TWB for the experience that I was able to gain with them – they have been encouraging, transparent, and supportive. This experience is invaluable.

Written by Olena Dmytriieva, TWB Community member

Get involved – discover the TWB Learning Center for yourself

New courses are available now, plus much more on the TWB Learning Center

Discover Desktop Publishing (DTP)

Explore Desktop Publishing (DTP) in our latest self-paced course. DTP is usually the last step in the localization process when translated documents are redesigned for print. Perfect for beginners and those looking to learn DTP theory and get hands-on practice. Check out the course and start learning today. 

Look after your well-being as a language professional: Vicarious Trauma Training

We care about our community’s well-being and aim to support them as volunteer humanitarian translators. That’s why we’re offering a free 90-minute training for TWB Community members, in collaboration with Masterword. CEO and expert Ludmila Golovine explains the impacts of vicarious trauma and strategies you can implement to prioritize your mental health. Exclusive to TWB Community members – check your email inbox for your code to watch on-demand for free. 

Boost your job hunt: How recruitment works – a guide for job applicants 

Navigate the job market with our new online course – designed to help you understand recruitment processes. It’s self-paced and full of interactive content. Understanding the various aspects of recruitment and human resources can make your job search more effective. Explore the course here and get ready for job market success!

Get started on the TWB Learning Center today

Olena’s story: References and additional reading on humanitarian translation

Crisis Response – Words of Relief – by Translators without Borders

Language as a key for effective Ukraine crisis response – by Milana Vračar, 2022 – CLEAR Global

The Humanitarian Face of Translation – by Lori Thicke, 2002 – MultiLingual Magazine

Language and communication in crisis – by Ingrid Piller, 2021 – Language on the Move Research Blog

The translator is a traitor: translation in humanitarian response – by Rasha Mahmoud Abdel Fattah, 2022 – International Committee of the Red Cross Blog

Further sources for volunteer translators:

20 Best Websites For Volunteer Translators – by Nuno, 2022 (updated) – Translation & Interpreting

Translation connects us: why language inclusion matters

On September 30th we celebrated International Translation Day. To mark the day, we’re highlighting the work of language professionals and volunteers worldwide who help us to connect with others and access information and opportunities across language barriers.

International Tranlsation Day #LanguageInclusion The image shows one three focus group participants in Nigeria, women who are smiling and engaged in conversation with the TWB worker on the left. TWB and CLEAR Global logos

We’re exploring how our TWB Community of over 100,000 people works at the cross-section of language, technology, and humanitarian aid to drive social good. We’ll explore the motivations behind our community members’ love of language, and why they chose to join us on our mission to build a more inclusive world. Their insights help us understand how translation can help some of the world’s most marginalized people overcome language barriers and participate in conversations that matter to them. Read on to hear our TWB Community member’s voices, as they showcase some of the innovative solutions that CLEAR Global and TWB are developing to improve two-way communication with communities that speak marginalized languages.

The power of collaboration – the TWB community

Through our work, CLEAR Global and TWB are making language inclusion a reality.

Our globally connected community helps people get vital information and be heard, whatever language they speak. Together, we are also contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals by promoting access to information for all language speakers – on climate change, forced migration, gender equality and women’s rights, health, and more. Because millions of people who speak marginalized languages are excluded from vital information, services, and global conversations that affect their lives. Language professionals who speak marginalized languages need equal access to digital resources and opportunities to enable them to support their communities – in their language. 

We work at the intersection of language, technology, and humanitarian aid to create inclusive solutions that work for more people. We use research and scalable language technology solutions to improve two-way communication with communities that speak marginalized languages. We also train and empower linguists and non-professional bilinguals to participate in humanitarian and development translation projects on the TWB Platform. We advocate for language inclusion, driving initiatives to make marginalized languages part of global conversations. 

  • We have translated over 100 million words into more than 200 languages for over 700 humanitarian and development organizations worldwide.
  • We have developed groundbreaking language technology solutions such as machine translation engines, speech recognition systems, chatbots, glossaries, and terminology databases for marginalized languages such as Rohingya, Hausa, Swahili, Somali, Tigrinya, and more.
  • We have trained over 10,000 linguists and non-professional bilinguals through our TWB Learning Center courses on translation skills, machine translation post-editing (MT PE), target terminology development and glossaries, desktop publishing (DTP), etc.

What motivates the TWB Community? 

Responses from our community members.

“I developed a deep passion for languages and cultures from a young age, sparking my interest in becoming a translator. The joy of bridging communication gaps and fostering understanding between people from diverse backgrounds is what ultimately motivated me to pursue this profession. I find immense fulfillment in the power of words to connect and convey meaning across borders using Kinyarwanda, Kiswahili, French, and English. I became involved with CLEAR Global and the TWB Community through my strong dedication to language access and humanitarian efforts. My commitment to facilitating communication in crisis situations led me to collaborate with the organization, aligning with their missions and leveraging my language expertise to make a meaningful impact.” – Uwayo Noel

“What motivated me was the increasing globalization of our world. As our societies become more interconnected, the demand for skilled translators and language experts has grown exponentially. I saw this as an opportunity not only for personal and professional growth but also as a means to contribute to effective cross-cultural communication on a global scale. The passion for helping people and facilitating communication between different language communities served also as a driving force. Being able to break down language barriers for individuals who might otherwise struggle to access information or services is not just a job, it’s a meaningful way to make a positive impact on the lives of others.” – OKafor Nkechi Abundance

“The gap in language services in Sudan motivated me to be a translator and volunteer with TWB. I wanted to practice and improve my language and translation skills while providing a service that matters.” – Najah F. Ahmed

“I am from Ethiopia and many Ethiopian descendants are living abroad, and I heard that they are suffering from language limitations. So, I want to help them access crucial information that is not available in Amharic. In addition to the above, even in my country, many individuals still have problems understanding the labels on imported items that are written in English. When I came to know about TWB from social media, I immediately searched the website. When I looked at the core goal of the organization I really found it interesting and decided to participate and be part of a platform which is basically designed to help people around the world.”  – Senait Gebru

Image of Senait Gebru TWB Community member on International Translation Day

Solutions to include everyone

“Through the TWB platform, I’ve contributed to projects like child safeguarding and Kinyarwanda data validation, leveraging my language skills in English, French, Kinyarwanda, and Kiswahili. These initiatives were crucial to me because they align with my passion for language access and humanitarian causes. I believe that valuing languages and ensuring accurate communication is essential for conveying vital messages and making a positive impact on vulnerable communities.” – Uwayo Noel

“I have been able to participate in two projects so far. The first one was ‘WFP audio scripts project’. It was about creating awareness to say no to sexual violence. Personally, I really loved the idea and I believe that everybody should participate in ending sexual violence. The second one was a translation for an earthquake safety project. This project is important for me cause I believe that it might help to protect someone’s life. The translation of this specific information might help some Ethiopian diasporas to understand local disasters and take the required preventive measures to keep themselves and their loved ones safe. Sometimes miscommunication can lead to serious consequences. In this specific case I think my translation might help in reducing risks to human life and property which might occur because of language barrier.”  – Senait Gebru

The TWB Community is helping make our solutions even more inclusive with sign language inclusion: 

Overcoming challenges in translation: 

“As a translator and language expert, I have encountered various challenges, including linguistic nuances, tight deadlines, and maintaining cultural sensitivity in translations. Additionally, issues with accessibility and inclusion have arisen when working with languages or dialects that are less commonly spoken or when dealing with specialized terminology. Overcoming these challenges often involves extensive research, collaboration with native speakers, and continuous learning to ensure accurate and inclusive communication.” – Uwayo Noel

Image shows TWB Community member Uwayo Noel with a purple speech bubble reading "kinyarwanda, Kiswahili, French and English language volunteer" on International Translation Day

“One of the most common challenges is the complexity of language itself. Languages are not static; they evolve over time, and they can be incredibly nuanced. Accurately capturing the nuances, idioms, and cultural context of a text can be a significant challenge. It requires not just fluency but a deep understanding of both the source and target languages. Another challenge is tight deadlines and high-pressure situations. Clients often need translations quickly, and balancing speed with quality can be a real test. This can sometimes result in long working hours and tight turnarounds, which can be demanding.” – OKafor Nkechi Abundance

“I am self-taught. I did not study to become a translator. I developed my English language proficiency without formal education. I learned interpretation, translation, editing, and proofreading through practice.”  – Najah F. Ahmed

“So far, meeting deadlines has been the biggest challenge for me. Because when downloading the original document and sending the translated one as well, I often have internet connection problems. There were even times when the internet was fully shut down by the government. The other problem I faced most of the time emanates from my mother tongue itself. My mother tongue which is Amharic has multiple dialects and this takes a lot of my time to ensure the translation I am doing is accurate.”  – Senait Gebru

Language solutions by the community for the community:

“My work and involvement with CLEAR Global and the TWB Community contribute to making a significant difference in the world by ensuring accurate and accessible communication in humanitarian settings. By bridging language barriers, we facilitate aid delivery, support vulnerable populations, and promote understanding in diverse communities. This not only enhances the effectiveness of humanitarian efforts but also fosters global cooperation and inclusivity, ultimately making the world a more connected and compassionate place.” – Uwayo Noel

“This work helps to facilitate access to information with a language that is understood by the people who need it. And to assist people in making their stories heard, not only in their region but around the world, which wouldn’t happen without translation and interpretation.” – Najah F. Ahmed

“When I decided to participate in TWB’s projects I was planning to fill the gap that was created by language barriers. I strongly believe that my work so far has helped someone to communicate with other people from different cultural backgrounds. Moreover, my contribution will also help to build better personal relationships among individuals. As I am trying to give all my best in delivering accurate and reliable translation, transcription… my involvement in this organization is definitely an asset.” – Senait Gebru

Being part of the TWB Community:

“My involvement with CLEAR Global and the TWB Community has been immensely rewarding. I’ve had the privilege of contributing to humanitarian efforts and witnessing the direct impact of accurate translation in crisis situations. The satisfaction of bridging language gaps and facilitating better understanding between diverse communities is a significant benefit. Furthermore, the opportunity to collaborate with like-minded professionals and continuously expand my language skills has been personally enriching and professionally fulfilling.” – Uwayo Noel

“Translation work and involvement with global organizations like CLEAR Global and TWB often expose individuals to a wide array of cultures, languages, and perspectives. This can lead to a deeper understanding and appreciation of the world’s diversity.” – OKafor Nkechi Abundance

“Being part of the TWB Community means continuous learning and development of skills by translating a multitude of topics for different organizations.”  – Najah F. Ahmed

The image shows a speech bubble with a quote from TWB Community member Naja F. Ahmed, “The gap in language services in Sudan motivated me to be a translator and volunteer with TWB. I wanted to practice and improve my language and translation skills while providing a service that matters."

“The first and foremost benefit I can tell is I am able to improve my language proficiency both in the source and the target language. I can say that it helps me to improve my understanding of both languages. The other benefit I got from participating in TWB projects as a marginalized language speaker is that I was also able to receive a monetary reward* and I am really grateful for that.”  – Senait Gebru

*Our Community Recognition Program is our way of thanking our amazing community members with professional recommendations and more. It includes monetary rewards for some marginalized languages to cover some expenses. Speakers of marginalized languages often face high connectivity costs when offering their online support. We hope that this will allow speakers of marginalized languages to volunteer more with us. Learn more about our Community Recognition Program here.

In honor of International Translation Day on September 30, we want to thank all the language professionals who work with us and support our cause. They are central to making access to information possible for some of the world’s most marginalized people. With a special thanks to our TWB Community, a global network of over 100,000 language volunteers who offer their skills and time to help humanitarian and development organizations worldwide.

If you are interested in joining our community, here’s how you can get involved: 

If you want to find out how to support our mission or follow our work: 

Taking refuge in the refugee camps, Greece, 2016 – TWB Community stories.

Written by Caroline Fakhri, professional interpreter and TWB Community member. 

In the refugee camps in Greece, I was interpreting for the people of Afghanistan of whom many were women. As a woman, I could empathize with their difficulties. Most importantly for the women, they felt able to reveal their inner worries without being judged, because I was not from their culture but still understood their language. This was a huge advantage for them to feel they had a safe space to chat and unburden themselves mentally. Interestingly, many of the Afghan men expressed similar sentiments to the women.  

“People need to be understood, not just on a word-to-word level but at a deeper level of the culture and customs of where someone is from.” 

Fires have burnt the tents in refugee camps in Greece - piles of debris and ashes are shown, with camp tents, people and children in the background inspecting what's left

Caroline Fakhri took this photo of fires in the camps in Larissa, Greece.

The importance of language and communication was expressed to me very clearly by one of the doctors that I was working with at Medicins du Mond –

“As an interpreter you are the most important member of our team. Without interpreters we cannot do our job effectively.”

The photo below shows Caroline Fakhri, on the island of Chios in one of the containers where they saw patients.

Caroline holding a baby, in a refugee camp in Greece

“I am a qualified interpreter and English tutor/teacher. I am self-employed and tutor English language and literature to school children up to GCSE level. I also teach EFL to adults and children in schools.  I interpret and have worked in the refugee camps in Greece as well as for local authority clients. My mother tongue is English; I speak Farsi fluently, French at intermediate level and I am learning Spanish at the moment.”

A Farsi interpreter in Larissa, Greece

The black smouldering mess was all that remained of half a dozen or so tents that were burning wildly when we arrived at the camp for our afternoon shift. We were there to attend to the aches and pains of the hundreds of refugees housed in these tents just outside the city of Larissa, approximately 350 kilometres north of Athens. 

  • The camps near Larissa.
  • Larissa, the fire services were called to tackle the burning tents.
Photos by Caroline Fakhri.

What an opportunity. I had jumped at the chance to use my Farsi language skills on a humanitarian mission during the refugee crisis of 2015/2016. This crisis was brought to the world’s attention when the dead body of the three-year-old Syrian Kurdish boy Aylan Kurdi was splashed across the front pages of national and international newspapers, highlighting the cost of this humanitarian crisis, almost on our doorstep. 

Large numbers of Syrian and Afghan refugees had left their war-torn countries and got as far as Turkey. In the majority of cases, they had paid a small fortune. Some had sold all their possessions and given their life savings to smugglers to get them from Turkey to the nearest point in Europe. Many arrived on Chios, where I was sent, as well as Lesbos Samos and Kos. 

The Greek coastguards were rescuing people as soon as they entered Greek waters in the small dinghies they had been packed into, so full there was standing room only. The smugglers sold them life jackets but they were homemade, sometimes packed with newspaper instead of anything buoyant and invariably made from black material to stop them from being visible at night. The majority of sailings took place under the cover of darkness.    

It was just a couple of weeks earlier that I had received a phone call. “Is that Caroline?” a female voice asked, I noted the French accent. “Yes”, I said hesitantly. “Are you ready for your mission? This is Medicins du Monde, Brussels”, the voice continued.  We have 14th March for your availability, is that still the case? 

Momentarily, I couldn’t breathe. I couldn’t believe I had been successful in my application to go to Greece to work as an interpreter for the humanitarian organisation Medicins du Monde. “All being well you will leave in a couple of days,” the voice said. We are assembling the rest of the team that you will be working with.” 

I put the phone down, jumping up in the air with excitement. In just a couple of days, I would be off to work with people in the now full-to-bursting-point camps on the Greek Island of Chios, as far east in the Mediterranean as you can go before you get to Turkey. I phoned my sister to tell her the news. “You have to go,” she said emphatically.  

First stop, Chios

  • The detention centre up in the hills on Chios Island came into being after the Agreement with Turkey.

I arrived in Chios on the eve of the new EU Turkey agreement. From March 22nd, 2016, any migrants arriving from Turkey would be sent back. All the authorities knew this was an impossible task. There was not enough manpower to process all the new arrivals, spring was coming and with the warmer weather, there would be more and more boats. 

After a briefing in Brussels at the Medicins du Monde office and having met my new colleagues, a Belgian nurse, a German doctor and an Arabic interpreter we were on our way. First, we flew to Athens and then by a very small plane, which to me resembled a crop duster, to Chios. Chios is one of the larger Greek islands, sitting just 11 miles from Turkey. It is tantalisingly close for the people who wanted to get to Europe by any means offered. 

On arrival at the tiny island airport, we were greeted by the field coordinator Justine and the logistics guy Remy, both of them French. They gave us a warm welcome, asked if we were hungry, whisked us away to the hotel where we would be staying then took us for our evening meal. During the meal, we all had a chance to introduce ourselves and explain our reasons for wanting to come to work in the camps. The overwhelming reason was to help people in dire need.  

Whilst having our meal, we became aware of the number of refugees along the harbour front promenade: sitting, chatting and eating on the benches, looking out to sea across to Turkey from whence they had arrived. Many, I was told, were waiting to buy tickets for the large ferry which sat moored, towering over the harbour. The ferry company was waiting for authorization to start selling tickets again. Large numbers wanted to get across to the mainland and continue their journey to destinations such as Germany or the UK. Now the agreement was in place, the Greek authorities wanted the camps empty because from Monday anyone arriving would be deemed an ‘irregular’ migrant, detained, their paperwork processed and returned to Turkey. Well, that was the plan. They wouldn’t go to one of the many temporary camps on Chios; they would go to the detention centre way up in the hills, inland. 

Having arrived on Saturday, we were given Sunday off. We spent the day exploring the streets and squares of Chios Town, drinking coffee and getting to know each other in readiness for our first day at the camp on Monday. That Sunday we saw three ferries leaving for the mainland, the majority of people on the ferries were refugees, the people we had come all this way to help.

People leaving refugee camps, hoping for transport, Greece

Little did we realize that tomorrow there would be hardly anyone left in the camps for us to look after. They looked happy, they thought they were on the way to the places they had dreamed about, the places that they had put their lives in danger to reach, but many got stuck in Athens and other places on mainland Greece as the borders all across Europe began to close on them. 

With the exodus of so many refugees, we found the camps almost like ghost towns on the Monday morning. We met the team that we were taking over from. After being shown the ropes, there was little to do so we set about writing up guidelines for interpreters. Lunchtime found us sitting in a sunny square ordering Greek delicacies, lapping up the sun and generally thinking we could get used to this life. But of course, we weren’t on holiday. 

After this slow start, Thursday saw us up at the detention centre, giving the Greek staff the day off for the Greek National Day, and the following Thursday we were at a camp for minors. A holiday camp which in more usual times would be full of holidaymakers having fun, it now housed a very different clientele The owner had very kindly housed minors, travelling on their own, rather than leaving it sitting empty in the off-peak season. The holiday camp stood on the top of a hill surrounded by pine trees with a breathtaking view over the Mediterranean. We climbed slowly up the steep twisting roads in the medical bus, our mobile clinic allowing us to reach so many more people. 

The following Thursday saw us again in the medical bus but right by the beach, attending to the new arrivals who were now considered ‘irregular’ migrants, and were processed accordingly, then taken by bus inland to the detention centre which was now beyond capacity. I saw heartbreaking cases but I also saw what this situation was doing to the islanders, their generosity now stretched as many were still suffering the financial repercussions, left over from the crash of 2008. The now ‘irregular’ migrants were no longer housed in the camps but were left waiting to be processed in a small area where they had landed and this was causing havoc: too many people and too much noise on the locals’ doorsteps, some of whom were fishermen getting up at dawn to get their catch for the day. 

people standing waiting for transport near the road
The Syrian refugees making their way to the road in the hope of getting transport.

With the dwindling number of refugees on Chios, our field co-ordinator made the decision to transfer all of us to a camp on the mainland in Larissa; tickets for the 12 hour sea crossing were purchased and we got ready to leave early on the Saturday morning ferry. Friday afternoon saw a breakout from the detention centre; very disgruntled refugees, now accommodated in the overflowing centre, decided to up and leave and walk some distance down to Chios port where they hoped to get on a ship across to the mainland. 

Locals became alarmed at the large numbers of people wandering aimlessly around. There were no ferries and no tickets. We were due to leave in the morning. We spent our last night getting ready to leave early and the following morning after an early breakfast we walked down to the ferry departure point, but there were no ships in sight. All the ferries had been redirected to the other side of the island, we were told, to avoid confrontation with the refugees, so we drove at break-neck speed to the other side of Chios just in time to see our ferry pulling up anchor and winding in ropes ready to leave. We missed it by minutes. Back to Chios town and a rethink and by midday we were on board ready for the long trip to Athens, arriving at nearly midnight. Piraeus Port was busy; there were tents everywhere. It was chaotic. In the chaos, we found a taxi and we were taken to our hotel, home for the next two nights. 

Life in Larissa

We left Athens around lunchtime and when we arrived in Larissa it seemed as though summer had arrived with us. We stepped out of the car, stretching our legs in the warm evening air. It had been a long journey with a breakdown on the way. The terraces of the bars and cafes were full despite it being a Monday evening. We booked into our rooms at the lovely family-run hotel, the owner giving us a warm welcome as though we were long-lost relations. It wasn’t long before we too found ourselves out on the terraces enjoying a delicious dinner before deciding it was time for bed, we couldn’t keep up with the locals. I was sharing a room with my Arabic interpreter counterpart Ive. This forced sharing has resulted in a lifelong friendship. “I hope you don’t snore,” I said, “otherwise you will be sleeping out on that balcony.” We had a ringside view from our fourth-floor room. We could almost join in with all the excitement in the square without budging from our balcony, but we were here to work. We needed an early night to be ready for our briefing the following morning. And so began life in Larissa for the next three weeks. We were like a little family, eating, working and sleeping together. 

At breakfast the following day we were informed that the Greek army were running the camp and in the morning the Greek Red Cross were on hand to help and that we would start our shifts at 3pm, staying until whenever the army left around 9pm. On Saturdays and Sundays, we worked the whole day and had Wednesday off. Apart from the army, there were no other organisations to help in this camp and as a result from the moment we arrived and set up shop we were inundated with people coming for medical attention. When it was time to leave in the evening, the queue seemed as long as when we had arrived. The doctor really wanted to give every person as much attention as they needed. Everyone had something wrong mentally or physically. We only had one doctor, one nurse, two interpreters and so many hours in a day.

Afternoons went by in a whirl of activity, we tried each day to organise a fair system but it wasn’t an easy task. When we arrived in the afternoons, we were checked in by the army and as soon as the refugees spotted us a queue formed to see us. It was tiring and exhilarating at the same time. 

  • Camping out on the road the first night after leaving the camp.
  • Police escorted vehicles to the camps, helping keep people on the roadside safe.

Then one afternoon without warning the Syrians upped and left. “We have heard the borders are open,” one of them explained. This was not the case. “We are leaving anyway, we are going to go to the nearest border,” and so they left, only to get as far as the main road and that is where they sat for two days trying to get transport. On our Saturday and Sunday shifts, the police escorted us past the camping refugees to the refugee camps; and then just as quickly as they had set up camp they were gone.  

A cardboard sign given to the team working in refugee camps reads "Open the border" in black marker pen. The background has been blurred out to preserve personal identities.
“An elderly lady who came to see the doctor plonked this down in front of us. She didn’t speak a word of English.”

Life settled into a slightly different rhythm as only I was required for the most part, for the interpreting: no more Arabic speakers, no breaks while Ive took over, but there was still not enough time to attend to all the people who came to see us. My afternoons were non-stop now. We wondered how far the Syrians had to travel to cross the borders out of Greece that were now closed. It was probably their first time since Eastern Europe had joined the EU.  

All the refugees had tragic experiences in one way or another but for the women, it was especially hard. Some of them felt able to confide things in me that they didn’t want anybody else to hear. One woman talked of committing suicide as she was scared her new mother-in-law, travelling with her and her husband, would find out she had been married before. “Nobody must know,” she said to me. “Gossip spreads easily.” She wrote me a letter explaining her life. She was heartbroken when I told her my mission was ending. I also met a former gold medalist, a boxing champion from Afghanistan. We joked with him when we saw his T-shirt, proclaiming he was a champion, “Oh were you in the Olympic Games?” I jokingly asked him. “Yes,” he said quietly. “I won the Gold.” Well, that silenced me. He was a gentleman who often apologised for his fellow countrymen’s behaviour; we waved his apologies away. It’s a difficult situation: an understatement. He showed us long-cut wounds on his head. The Taliban with a sword, he explained, had inflicted them on him. He didn’t explain why. 

And then the day of the fateful fire came. And the atmosphere in the camp changed again. Blame was put at the door of the mother cooking food for her children on her camping gas. It was a very windy day. The wind blew the flames and in no time the tents caught light and the fire quickly spread. Thankfully nobody suffered serious burns but the few possessions that they still owned had gone up in smoke. 

The mood in the camp changed from day to day. The outbreaks of common diseases, chicken pox, viruses, coughs and colds, and contact skin diseases such as impetigo were difficult to control. There were big tragedies and small tragedies, but the people never gave up hope of something better because hope was all they had left. 

Words and photos provided by Caroline Fakhri, TWB Community member.

Read more of our community members’ stories – impacting the lives of refugees around the world on the TWB blog:

Why language is power in the Algerian Desert: Farida Alvarez-Fetouhi

Farida Alvarez-Fetouhi, professional linguist and TWB Community member shares her experience.

Mural in National Union of Saharawi Women building, Boujdour Camp

What is the Western Saharan Conflict?

Often dubbed “Africa’s last colony”, it seems that few people are aware of the 200,000 plus Saharawi refugees living in camps in the Algerian desert. 

Cuban-influenced “Sahara Libre” mural.

A Spanish colony for almost a century until 1975, Western Sahara is a coastal territory (roughly the size of the UK) located south of Morocco. 

Right, a Cuban-influenced “Sahara Libre” mural. 

Despite the promise of independence, when Spain withdrew in 1975, Morocco and Mauritania were given administrative control of Western Sahara. Morocco took things a step further by mobilising 300,000 Moroccan civilians to occupy what they claimed were their “ancestral lands,” and orchestrated a full military invasion.

Thousands of Saharawis fled and crossed the border over to neighbouring Algeria where they sought refuge in camps near a military base called Tindouf. Mauritania withdrew their claim to the Western Sahara in 1979 and in 1991, the UN created the Mission for a Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) and the promise of a referendum from the Moroccan government. Thirty years later, Sahrawi refugees in Algeria are still waiting. 

How did you first get involved?

The Western Saharan conflict came to my attention in the beginning of 2020 through a London based charity called Sandblast Arts.

I learned of an educational project called Desert Voicebox, where local female teachers are trained to teach English and music to children aged 6 – 12. Sandblast Art’s goal is to “equip the next generation of Saharawi refugee children to become cultural ambassadors, and to empower local women to become educational leaders in their community, and acquire the skills and confidence to tell their story to the world.” – Danielle Smith, founder.

I immediately wanted to get involved, and planned to go in early spring of 2020. Half Spanish and half Algerian myself (my father being Moroccan-born), I felt somehow intrinsically linked to their story. However, when the pandemic broke out, those plans were shelved. I volunteered online instead, providing training to two local female teachers remotely for over a year. 

Finally in 2022, I was able to visit the camps and deliver English language and teacher training in person. 

To be able to finally go out to the camps and meet these extraordinary women was an honour. 

I was received with a warm welcome into Nanaha’s home (one of the teachers who I’d worked with online) where I stayed for the following two weeks immersing myself into their family life. I felt truly privileged to be able to do that since it gave me a real insight into the struggles as well as the many wonderful aspects of their collective community.

I (left) visited in October 2022 along with Sandblast director Danielle Smith (centre) and journalist Maxine Betteridge-Moes (right), the Communications Officer at the time. We’re wearing the traditional Saharawi mihlfa at the Fi-Sahara Film Festival

Can you talk about your unique experience helping empower local women?

One of aspects I admire the most about Sandblast Arts, and what attracted me to it in the first place is that they prioritise “recruiting and training young Saharawi women who have not been able to complete their schooling but are passionate about working with children in the educational sector.” – Danielle Smith

While I was there, I felt the biggest challenge, even bigger than the lack of resources, was that of balancing a woman’s role in Saharawi society. 

They are the primary caregivers in a community where families are numerous and basic supplies are thin on the ground. Cooking for your family takes on a broader meaning when you take into consideration the amount of extended family members that also need to be taken care of. 

Women are expected to do the lion’s share of the work, and their husbands are often away for long stretches at a time working abroad to bring home much needed cash and modern conveniences. “And because the majority of the Saharawi children have to leave the camps  to continue their studies after primary school, growing numbers of girls have been dropping out before even finishing their secondary education.” – Danielle Smith

For a woman to take all this on board and add a teaching job to her plate, while only part time, is a considerable strain. As a teacher observing lessons, it was painfully obvious that not enough planning had gone into the lesson- but the luxury of taking an hour out of your day to do that is something that I had clearly taken for granted. 

Above: an English class taught by local teacher Nanaha. 

I felt privileged and humbled to be able to share my knowledge with women who want to learn. 

Despite the social pressure, projects like the ones offered by Sandblast Arts give local women the opportunity to have a meaningful impact on the lives of the children in their communities, and to be leaders within their communities. 

“Desert Voicebox is a place where I can practise my English, and develop my knowledge and skills to communicate with children. It’s a place where I can show the children how to express themselves and give them a voice in English. Having the means to earn a simple salary is of huge help to me and my family, and it’s the same for the other women I work with too.”

Nanaha Bachri, local teacher. 
The Desert Voicebox centre is located on the local primary school’s grounds.
Doorway to Desert Voicebox – Desert Voicebox is anEnglish language and Music education centre run by local women and supported by Sandblast Arts. 

Can you tell us from your experience, why language and communication is so important in humanitarian situations like this?

Above: Signs in Spanish welcome you to Boujdour district (one of the five camps)

“There are lots of languages at the camps – from Spanish, English and Arabic to Hassaniya and many other dialects of Arabic too (from Tindouf and neighbouring Mauritania in the south). But then also Italian and German with all volunteers that come to the camps for various projects. 

It’s a really funny thing ….

But I think language is the power; the weapon that we are using to speak about ourselves – to tell the world that we are here.“

Nanaha Bachri, local teacher

It seemed to me that just as the Saharawi people have had to learn to become resilient both physically and mentally; they have also learned how to be linguistically resilient too. 

They are hungry to learn English and Spanish and whatever else comes their way because as Nanaha rightly says, language is power. It is the tool that ultimately, especially now in a more digitally connected world, is going to help them raise awareness. 

In a multilingual, complex and challenging environment such as this, clear communication is critical, especially with health concerns such as anaemia and breast cancer among women on the rise. Najla Mohamed-Lamin, a Saharawi women’s rights and climate activist in the Smara camp, hosts regular breast cancer awareness sessions with health experts.

“As Saharawi women we are always told to endure. We are told that this pain and this suffering when breastfeeding is normal. But it’s not normal.”

Najla Mohamed-Lamin

On a logistical level, Danielle Smith observes that “many of the agencies operating in the camps are staffed by Algerians and Saharawis which enhances communication with the local communities in the camps” 

Spanish, however, is still widely used as a lingua franca at the camps. 

National Union of Saharawi Women building.

A sign for an optician in Arabic and Spanish.

French and English can also be found at the camps. SIgn for an aid-funded bakery in Arabic, French and English. 

Did you or the people you were supporting face any language challenges? 

I was at an advantage because I speak Spanish, but not everybody speaks it, and basic Arabic would have been advantageous. In particular to communicate with the children. 

Generally speaking, the level of English in the camps is still low. Aid agencies from Spanish speaking countries (chiefly Spain and Cuba) are at an advantage, but as Maxine remarked when we were there, had she visited without a translator (someone who spoke Arabic or Spanish as an intermediary), she would have been completely lost. “It can be difficult to communicate as an international aid worker,” she added.

Final thoughts about teaching English in a Western Saharan refugee camp: 

Other than helping to empower local women, I was honoured to be able to help teachers give the next generation the gift of an international language. The more tools they have at their disposal to be able to raise awareness, the more agency they will have over their lives. 

As Danielle Smith of Sandblast Arts so passionately puts it, it’s all about “enhancing their chances to seize new opportunities and reach new audiences to break through the wall of silence”. 

Written by Farida Alvarez-Fetouhi, TWB Community member.

Donations can be made on JustGiving and Sandblast Arts can be found on Instagram and Facebook.

To learn more about the TWB Community and how you can get involved, visit our website.

Discover some of the ways our community members make an impact around the world in our blog.

Or visit the CLEAR Global blog to discover how language offers hope away from home for refugees.

Embrace language equity this International Women’s Day

Community stories of women’s empowerment and gender equality

To celebrate International Women’s Day 2023, we spoke to some of our talented community members around the world. We invited them to share their own stories on women’s empowerment and gender equality. We hope you enjoy these powerful stories of strong women who are also fellow community members.

They come from different corners of the globe and have their own unique experiences to share, but they share a goal. They want people to know their stories so they can raise awareness about the issues women like them face. Our collective experience as linguists and humanitarians shows us that women are all too often disproportionately affected by societal factors which make them vulnerable to difficult situations. In many situations, women face barriers to education. They face language barriers and a lack of access to information in a language and format they understand. Because of this some women struggle to access the healthcare they need, know their rights, or stay safe. 

  • The stories below include name changes and edits in line with CLEAR Global’s confidentiality and editorial practices. 
  • Trigger warning: this post contains references to discrimination, domestic violence, and rape, which some individuals may find distressing or emotionally challenging. 

Read more on women’s rights and equity this International Women’s Day

Chandler’s story: how lack of support in her native language meant lack of justice.

A TWB Community member with her child standing at the beach near the water. International Women's Day 2023.
Chandler and her son at the beach

Lost in translation means loss of justice: recounting domestic violence in a foreign language

One aspect of the growing trend to move abroad that often goes entirely unconceived is how easily recounting domestic violence to local authorities in a foreign country suffers the inevitable consequences of being “lost in translation.”

I took the Girona city bus from the small village I was coerced into living in. I was fleeing domestic violence with my three-month-old son – no car, no friends or family nearby, and still a struggling command of the local language, Catalan. There was no room for error, and yet, from the moment I left until the present day, the errors I made haunt my drowning need for justice.

I entered Girona city’s police station, frantically looking over my shoulder. I quietly mumbled in Catalan, asking if they had any agents that could speak in English. They must have guessed why and had me wait for Agent Elena. She was a local city police agent that specialized in domestic violence. I asked her if she spoke English, my mother tongue. She smiled and replied “no, but you speak Catalan quite well. Please, tell me what you want to report.” I reported the abuse, and I had no idea how awful it sounded as I was saying it. She reassured me that I had enough language ability in Catalan that I could express the pertinent details to a judge – little did she know that was not the case. However, because the crime was committed in the neighboring village, I needed to retell my story to the appropriate jurisdictional police: Mossos d’Esquadra.

That was when the real “loss in translation” happened. Agent Maria, the local Mossos d’Esquadra agent, overheard my struggles with the language, and even witnessed me using Google Translate to express some of the more horrific details, and yet she didn’t make any effort to double-check she could report the facts accurately, or ask follow-up questions to really understand them. A number of details were tragically lost in translation and this later became part of the fancy footwork the opposing party’s lawyer used to tear my testimony to shreds.

While there are many published stories and research about the subject, there is not enough support for women seeking and obtaining justice and therefore protection measures in a foreign country.

Chandler’s story is just one example of how accessing support and information in someone’s native language can change the course of their life. 

Breaking stereotypes and ensuring fair access to information is what motivates Faria, the protagonist of our next story.

Faria’s story: breaking stereotypes and embracing equity

A woman, Faria, TWB Community member smiling. International Women's Day 2023.
I aspire to create a program to get minority girls interested in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) careers by connecting them with mentors from the field, who come from similar cultural backgrounds and speak their parents’ native language.

Coming from a South Asian culture, deep-seated gender norms often confine women to their homes. For many immigrant girls, cultural expectations encourage us to find a husband instead of continuing our education or building our careers. When I shared my aspirations to pursue a career in the medical field, my peers teased me that I would never be able to achieve those dreams as a girl. My parents wanted me to follow in the footsteps of my older sister and marry, rather than build a career. Because I question the norms, I am seen as the shameful black sheep in my family. In an ironic turn of events that greatly shaped my outlook, my family insisted that I attend an all-girls high school to “preserve my modesty,” but that has only further opened my eyes to my capabilities and empowered me to embrace a career in a STEM field. Throughout high school, I participated in women’s rights events such as our annual women’s march, and attended a lecture with Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor. All these events made me realize that I could create my own path despite cultural restrictions. Being an immigrant and a minority, I had a hard time voicing my concerns because I struggled with the English language. However, seeing many students and staff who were like me at my high school encouraged me to pursue higher education and build a career.

My traditional Bangladeshi parents expect me to spend my time in the kitchen, so I experiment in between preparing meals with my mother. 

I plunged myself into school, working hard to get A’s while taking rigorous science classes. Additionally, I started to participate in extracurricular activities and community service. I wanted my family to see that I could live an impactful life through my studies and caring for our community, but I also feared that my future would still end as a housewife. At some point, I realized that while I love and respect my parents, I believe in myself and have decided that I want to pursue my own dreams by continuing my education and becoming a physician.

I aspire to create a program to get minority girls interested in STEM careers by connecting them with mentors from the STEM field. Leveraging other successful women from similar backgrounds and languages to speak with South Asian young girls would be a tool to help combat these harmful cultural expectations. I believe mentorship programs can help empower young girls and change outdated gender roles. The most difficult part of this project would be engaging with girls who struggle with the local language. Without language, it will be hard to help them see the benefits of getting girls involved in STEM careers; deeply held cultural beliefs are hard to change with language barriers. Fortunately, I had a mentor to speak my native language to help me progress in my studies and career. I would love to give this same chance to girls who are struggling with the local language.

Peace’s story centers on protecting young girls and overcoming cultural barriers.

A woman, Peace Agbo, TWB Community member.

“The fear of who is next lingers in the mind of every parent.”

Just like it was yesterday, I remember the day my neighbor’s child was raped. I was a teenager then and I was sitting outside chatting with my friend. Then, suddenly we saw my neighbor’s child, Monifa, cross the road from the barber’s shop to the place where we sat. She walked in an uneasy and awkward manner holding a bag of biscuits with a gloomy face.

“Monifa, are you okay?” I inquired. She looked at me and didn’t say a word. Later that day I saw my neighbor shouting and seeking help as her little daughter was bleeding. The little girl confirmed that the barber had raped her – a six-year-old child. The police arrested and detained him for some days, but he was quickly released. However, the shame and humiliation he suffered from people sent him away from our area. Monifa is now a grown woman, but her first sexual experience is a pain that she lives with all her life. 

The fact that the mother acted, that the case was reported, and that the culprit was arrested is a positive indicator of the direction our society needs to take if we are to curb violence against women. On the other hand, the fact that he was released a few days later, without further charge and conviction, is a testament to the systemic and cultural obstacles on the path of seeking justice for rape survivors and ensuring that culprits are punished for their crimes.

A woman, Peace Agbo, looking at the window.

Rape victims in my country are beginning to speak up with courage and name their abusers despite the fear of stigmatization, and reprisal, some of the reasons victims have kept quiet for so long. If we do nothing to fight rape, if the law cannot protect people, if abusers can walk freely on the streets a few days after abusing a person, soon our young daughters will be afraid to go out because of the fear and trauma of meeting face to face with their defilers.

 – Peace

Amnesty International reports that following the lockdown imposed to tackle the spread of COVID-19 in 2020 in Nigeria, there was an upsurge in cases of rape: “As reports of rape escalated across Nigeria, state governors declared a “state of emergency” on rape and gender-based violence. They also promised to set up a sex offenders register. But over a year since their declaration, nothing has changed.”

A woman, Peace Agbo, looking at the sunset sky.

TWB, now part of CLEAR Global, has been advocating for over a decade to prevent sexual exploitation and abuse, especially in the aid sector. Sexual exploitation and abuse continue to occur in humanitarian contexts worldwide. We believe that prioritizing language and two-way communication can help prevent it. We worked with the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) on Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) to make the humanitarian rules on sexual conduct clear and available in languages people can understand, so everyone knows what is acceptable.

We first developed a plain-language version of the principles. Then, we removed legal jargon and complex sentence structures to make the rules explicit and clear. Finally, we translated them into over 100 languages spoken on five continents – from Amharic to Vietnamese.

We want to thank our community members and writers, Chandler, Faria, and Peace, for sharing their stories of life’s inequity as women. It takes courage and compassion to speak up and share your own traumatic experiences for the sake of helping others. We are honored they have chosen TWB to tell their stories.

We would love to hear your story too, and share your experience or inspiration with us on social media.

And join the TWB community today for the chance to work on projects that help embrace equity.

Join our community
Contributions by 
Chandler Stump, Spanish to English translator and TWB Community member
Peace Agbo, Igbo to English translator and TWB Community member
Faria Islam, English to Bengali translator and TWB Community member

Defying gender inequality: my women-led translation services company’s story

A TWB Community blog post by Maria Scheibengraf

A smiling woman: Maria Scheibengraf, TWB Community member
Maria Scheibengraf

Several authors have studied the dynamics of language and gender, highlighting how society has long perceived translation as a “feminine” activity. This idea is rooted in centuries-old stereotypes: Society has long seen translation as a secondary and derivative activity – unlike the “creative” arts such as literature and poetry. So women undertaking such “lesser” tasks in the shadows was nothing more than a common expectation.

In other words, “Originality, creativity and authority, depicted ’masculine,’ had patriarchal authority empowering them to relegate whatever was female to secondary roles.” (Abdelgawad, 2016). The advice “Good translators are like ninjas – if you notice them, they’re no good” is no accident. I think the underlying message that nobody dares to say out loud is that women should not steal the spotlight from the men authors, deemed to be the real creative geniuses.

In this article, I want to talk about how my experience with leading a translation services company has allowed me to defy traditional gender roles and expectations. My business, which is woman-led and staffed by women, offers translation services for traditionally men-dominated fields such as software, marketing, and SEO (search engine optimization). I’ll start with some personal views about translation, inequality, and the need for empowered women in our industry. Learn more at crisoltranslations.com

Structural inequality is at the root of our industry’s gender divide

The unconscious perception of translation as something “inferior” isn’t the only factor standing in the way of a more equitable gender distribution in the industry.

There are also structural and economic aspects to consider, such as translation work being more suitable for independent contractors than other activities – it’s easier for women to juggle their family life and professional commitments by working as translators.

Because, let’s face it: Women often take the lead in family-related matters, while their men counterparts usually focus on their careers. In Argentina, for example, the distribution of unpaid work in a heterosexual couple is still largely unequal, with women spending up to 6.5 hours a day on housework and caregiving vs men’s 3 hours.

Women choosing translation because of its flexible work hours isn’t an intrinsically bad thing – with freelancing and entrepreneurship comes the potential for higher earnings, which means it’s easier to shatter the glass ceiling. The problem lies in the deeper inequalities that prevent women from finding the time, energy, and resources to make their businesses succeed. How can one possibly balance parenting, running a household, and the pursuit of an entrepreneurial venture without falling into an even deeper pit of exhaustion?

The result is that the vast majority of women translators end up stuck in a cycle of low-paying (don’t get me started on bottom-feeding translation agencies), sporadic gigs, and unable to move forward in their careers. And those few men that do choose the translation industry? They are the ones who can access better-paid and more secure positions. You’ll find them in privileged positions such as managerial roles, executive-level collaborations, speaking engagements, and other high-status opportunities.

Something doesn’t add up

I’ve always thought: if translation is indeed a women-dominated field, then why do so many high-prestige opportunities – translating best-selling books, interpreting at televised events, etc. – seem to skew heavily toward men, featuring a disproportionately low number of women translators? Either there’s a genetic prerogative (which is obviously impossible), or there’s a significant amount of discrimination against women.

My theory is that, when it comes to prestige and visibility, the best opportunities are usually reserved for those who already have the most privileges – men, white people, etc. Put differently: Even if there are no (direct) barriers to accessing translation work, the best opportunities are likely to go to those who already enjoy a certain degree of material and social privilege. Once again, I’m talking about structural inequalities.

All-permeating discrimination, gender and otherwise

One would think that the 21st century would be the age of equality. But, sadly, this is far from being true in many parts of the world – and in our industry too.

About six months ago, I was shocked to find that a renowned industry magazine had launched a nomination for a so-called “Sexiest in localization” award. Granted, they took the precaution to speak of “people” and not “women”, but I found it outrageous that 2022 could still be the year of making people’s looks a factor for recognition. In an industry where the majority of them are women. And despite the magazine saying that by “sexy” they meant “skill, confidence, and intellect” (what?!).

I’m focusing on gender in this article because it’s Women’s History Month. But if we’re to talk about gender inequalities in the translation industry, we must recognize that other forms of discrimination – such as racism and xenophobia – are also rampant.

See Sarah’s post below for another example – how did no one realize that an Asian SEO conference with no Asian experts (international SEO and SEO translation are fields within the translation industry) was just wrong?

A post highlighting the absense of Asian speakers at an Asian CEO conference

My experience as the co-founder of a women-led translation company

Back in 2011, when I started freelancing as a translator, I was already aware of the gender disparities in the field. But then again, I’ve always been overly conscious of any kind of inequality.

I’m autistic, you see (apparently we come with superpowers, one of which is sensitivity to injustice). I guess that also places me at the intersection of two discriminated groups, neurodivergent people and women. I could add that I grew up in an underdeveloped economy where translators receive peanuts for their work.

The stubborn feminist I am, and fuelled by my desire to make the translation industry a better place for all of us, I dreamt of founding a business that would thrive while giving ethics and fair pay the priority they deserve. A sort of “if you can’t find the example, be the example” manifesto, if you will.

That’s how I became the co-founder of a women-led translation company in 2016, together with my three best friends from uni. We proudly run a business that’s built on three pillars: fairness, inclusivity, and camaraderie.

I won’t lie and say it was all easy. It wasn’t. I’ve lost count of the times I’ve had to battle mansplaining, unwanted comments about my looks, a skeptical attitude towards women in business, xenophobic remarks, or the occasional negative comment about my autism.

The fact that we provide marketing translation and SEO translation services for a typically men-dominated field – software – didn’t exactly help pave the way for us either (SEO also features a higher proportion of men than women). Yet here we are, four women entrepreneurs, fighting the fight and striving to make our mark in a world where we often feel like we don’t belong.

The rewards of being part of a revolution

It may have been tough sometimes, but my business has achieved great things too: we operate ethically, we organize regular training sessions and events to promote career development opportunities for freelance translators, and we annoy at least three bigots a week on social media. Add a few public call-outs to exploitative agencies, and I think we can safely say that we’ve made an impact.

The best part, if you ask me, is the community of women entrepreneurs that we’ve been able to build – a wonderful group who support each other, celebrate each other’s successes, and act as a safe haven in an often hostile industry. A great example is that I asked one of them (María Leticia Cazeneuve, from Humane Language Services) to give this article a look and suggest ideas on how to make it better. On a Saturday. And she immediately said yes.

It can be done: we can create an open and inclusive translation industry for everyone. We just need to work together and keep fighting the good fight. This Women’s History Month, and every month, may all of us be inspired to push for change and make a difference.

About TWB and CLEAR Global

Translators without Borders (TWB) is a global community of over 100,000 language volunteer translators and language specialists offering language services to humanitarian and development organizations worldwide.

TWB is part of CLEAR Global, a US-based nonprofit that also comprises CLEAR Tech and CLEAR Insights. CLEAR Global helps people get vital information and be heard, whatever language they speak. We do this through research and scalable language technology solutions that improve two-way communication with communities that speak marginalized languages. Learn more about this important work at clearglobal.org 

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Read more on women’s rights and equity this International Women’s Day

Guest post written by Maria Scheibengraf, English to Spanish translator and TWB Community member. 

Stop labeling women as vulnerable

A TWB Community blog post by Mariana Estrada Ávila

About Mariana

Mariana Estrada Ávila is a specialist in communications and human rights. She has been working with international organizations for more than ten years. In 2018 she collaborated with the UN Food and Agriculture Organization in the launch of the #IndigenousWomen global campaign.

A woman, Mariana, TWB Community member, smiling to the camera

It’s time to change the narrative on vulnerability, embrace equity and make women visible

If you work in a humanitarian or development organization, it is likely you’ll  have read or even written or translated many reports, projects, or press releases that mention supporting a common but ambiguous group: “the most vulnerable people.’ And if we look deeper into this vague concept, we find that the first in line are women, followed by children, Indigenous Peoples, migrants, and people with disabilities, among others.

However, in many interviews, rural women, indigenous women, black women, migrant women, and women with disabilities, have agreed that women are not vulnerable people per se. Needless to say, the same goes for Indigenous Peoples, children, migrants, and people with disabilities. As medical doctor and indigenous woman Mariam Wallet Aboubakrine explains, they are people who have been placed in situations of vulnerability by different factors, such as a lack of respect for their rights, marginalization, discrimination, and violence, among others.

Why is the term “vulnerable” problematic?

First and foremost, because it invisibilizes. The problem with the use of such a vague and generalized term as “the most vulnerable people” is that it makes invisible the population that we are trying to prioritize and it ignores the causes of their vulnerable situation. Who knows who you are really addressing when you address such a heterogeneous group? How can you make programs that really help to solve their challenges if the diverse and complex issues and roots are ignored?

Second, the term “vulnerable” carries a negative connotation. It implies that the problem lies with them, or that certain people have some intrinsic characteristics or traits that make them vulnerable. This point has already repeatedly been underlined in the public health sector. The article ‘Vagueness, power, and public health: use of ‘vulnerable‘ in public health literature’ (2019) highlights that the term the most vulnerable people tends to put the burden on the people who are affected, implying that even if programs, policies, and processes change, their vulnerability will remain.

Women are not born vulnerable

Half of the world’s population is not born with fewer capabilities or inherent vulnerability. The systematic lack of respect for women’s human rights, and its intersection with other factors, such as violence, discrimination, or marginalization place women in complex situations of vulnerability. 

For example, see this report published in 2021 on Complaint and feedback mechanisms: Effective communication is essential for true accountability in Nigeria. TWB noted that a lack of access to information in a crisis context could reinforce a situation of vulnerability, whereby women in particular, who often have less access to education and less opportunity to learn other languages, could be disproportionately affected by the lack of information in their own language.

Women around the world have advocated for programs and initiatives that address the root causes that can limit the development of their full potential, rather than an approach that builds on, and reinforces an assumption that they will always need assistance, and can’t lead change. As Pratima Gurung from Nepal underlines, it is important to recognize and make visible the potential of women to contribute to the development of communities and society. 

Using the power of language to change the narrative on vulnerability

What can we do? No one knows the power of words better than those who use language as their main tool of work. First, it is important to promote a general reflection within our organizations. Through our use of language, are we reinforcing society’s tendency to position women as “vulnerable”?  After all, language is one of the most essential components of social dynamics.

Secondly, instead of using “the most vulnerable people” as a catch-all, let us try to identify and name the groups we are really referring to. Let us think about the causes that have put them in this situation. As an example, instead of saying “this COVID-19 pandemic response program will help the most vulnerable people” we can try “this program will help women who were disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic“. This allows us to clearly visualize our target population and the causes that have put them in a vulnerable situation. 

As writers, translators, and communicators we have the power to change the narrative around vulnerability and thus contribute to reinforcing and making visible that there is something behind this condition – that vulnerability is not inherent to women or other people. 

It is important not to forget that a human rights approach to language means focusing on the people and their dignity, rather than labeling them.

About TWB and CLEAR Global

Translators without Borders (TWB) is a global community of over 100,000 language volunteer translators and language specialists offering language services to humanitarian and development organizations worldwide.

TWB is part of CLEAR Global, a US-based nonprofit that also comprises CLEAR Tech and CLEAR Insights. CLEAR Global helps people get vital information and be heard, whatever language they speak. We do this through research and scalable language technology solutions that improve two-way communication with communities that speak marginalized languages. 

We believe in increasing equity for all people, especially those that are disproportionately affected by language barriers. We endeavor, in our communications, to amplify voices that are marginalized due to a lack of resources in their language. We want to create systematic change in the way the world communicates. This means putting people at the center of our programs and prioritizing humanity and dignity. As a nonprofit, we’re guided by the humanitarian principles of humanitarian aid which means delivering lifesaving assistance to people in need, without discrimination (UNOCHA). Learn more about this important work at clearglobal.org. 

Follow TWB on Facebook and LinkedIn. Follow CLEAR Global on LinkedIn and Twitter.

Read more on women’s rights and equity this International Women’s Day

Guest post written by Mariana Estrada, English, and French to Spanish translator and TWB community member