Since joining WWDA in 1997, Carolyn has been instrumental in ensuring the human rights of women, girls and gender-diverse people with disabilities are identified and included in law and policy reform and development. Her advocacy and high-level policy work with the disability community for the establishment of the Disability Royal Commission, have led to significant outcomes, both domestically and internationally.
Carolyn is recognised as one of Australia’s key authorities in the areas of violence against women and disability rights, particularly the sexual and reproductive rights of women, girls and gender diverse people with disabilities. She has served as a technical expert to many UN agencies and represented WWDA on several international expert advisory groups and national advisory structures across various sectors.
Under Carolyn’s stewardship, WWDA has become an internationally recognised leader in protecting, promoting and advancing the human rights of women, girls and gender-diverse people with disabilities. WWDA has received a number of prestigious awards during Carolyn’s tenure, including the National Human Rights Award, the National Violence Prevention Award, and the Australian Crime and Violence Prevention Award.
WWDA President Karin Swift said, “The WWDA Committee of Management acknowledges Carolyn for her tireless advocacy and her significant contributions to the disability rights movement, which have made a real difference to the lives of women, girls and gender-diverse people with disabilities. We thank Carolyn and wish her all the best for her future endeavours.”
Women With Disabilities Australia will continue its advocacy for the rights of women, girls and gender diverse people with disabilities in Australia, under the governance of the WWDA Committee of Management.
