Today, we join the global community in celebrating International Day of People with Disabilities (IDPwD)—a day to recognise the achievements, resilience, and rights of people with disabilities, while advocating for a more inclusive and equitable world. This year’s theme is “Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future.”
The leadership of women, girls and gender-diverse people with disabilities is a powerful force for change. Disability in leadership spaces paves the way for accessible policies, equitable opportunities and more inclusive communities, and it is vital for ending gender-based violence. For women, girls, and gender-diverse people with disabilities, the fight for equity is ongoing, and today is a powerful reminder that:
- Inclusion is a right, not a privilege.
- Accessibility is essential for diverse representation in leadership.
- Advocacy leads to change – by using our voices to create better policies and outcomes for people with disabilities, we challenge systemic discrimination and bias in order to uplift our community.
Women, girls and gender-diverse people with disabilities need to be at the decision-making table in ALL public decision-making, including about gender-based violence prevention and response. Supporting women with disabilities in leadership roles not only strengthens their impact but also enriches society as a whole.
Today, and every day, we invite you to learn more about disability rights in Australia, support pro-diversity and equity projects, and join the conversation. Together, we can build a future where everyone is seen, heard and valued.
16 Days of Activism
International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) is observed annually on December 3rd, which Day 9 of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. These global campaigns shine a spotlight on marginalised communities whose voices are often overlooked. They emphasise the need for inclusive, equitable societies that empower people with disabilities and those who have experienced gender-based violence (GBV) – which can often overlap.
People with disabilities, particularly women, girls and gender-diverse people, face heightened risks of GBV, including abuse, harassment and discrimination. Our experiences often include barriers to accessing justice, support services, and safe spaces. Advocating for the rights of people with disabilities during the 16 Days of Activism campaign highlights the need for disability-inclusive GBV prevention strategies.
Both IDPwD and 16 Days of Activism challenge us to envision a world where justice and dignity are universal. Addressing the overlapping vulnerabilities between disability and GBV is a step toward this vision. It is essential to uplift the voices of our community and empower them, so we can address the unique challenges at the intersection of disability and GBV. By recognising these intersections, we foster more inclusive advocacy and change that matters to our community.
Find out more about our 16 Days of Activism campaign below.
The Leadership and Mentoring Toolkit
At WWDA, we are deeply invested in the advancement of women, girls and gender-diverse people with disabilities. We are committed to creating real, positive change for our community, through advocacy, education and community and political engagement.
The Leadership and Mentoring Toolkit is a comprehensive resource aimed at empowering and encouraging women and gender diverse people with disabilities to step into leadership, advocacy, and decision-making roles.
Designed by and for women and gender diverse people with lived experience of disability, the toolkit offers practical guidance and strategies for participation and leadership within community and professional environments, exploring leadership in the context of individual strengths and growth. It reflects WWDA’s long-standing commitment to fostering equality and amplifying the voices of those often underrepresented in leadership positions across sectors.
The Leadership and Mentoring Toolkit addresses critical gaps in leadership and decision-making representation, where women, gender diverse people and people with disabilities remain vastly underrepresented in many sectors. We know that people with disabilities are often excluded from decision-making, and rarely see themselves in leadership roles. For many, systemic challenges such as discrimination, lack of support and inaccessible environments prevent them from taking on such roles. We hope that women and gender diverse people with disabilities throughout Australia will use this toolkit in whatever capacity applies to them, to help advocate for themselves and others in leadership roles.
WWDA CEO Sophie Cusworth expressed the importance of this project in transforming the landscape for women and gender diverse people with disabilities:
“For too long, our community has been excluded from opportunities to lead and participate, in all areas of life. We want to see a world that values the leadership of women and gender-diverse people with disabilities, and challenges harmful and false narratives about who can and can’t be a leader. This Toolkit is designed by and for our community, to equip women and gender-diverse people with disabilities with the skills and confidence to lead, participate, and influence. We want to see a future where our voices are heard, valued, and leading the way.”
Co-design is a valued practice at WWDA, which ensures lived experience guides development, improves accessibility, and builds a trusted community. We have worked closely with women and gender diverse people with disabilities from the WWDA community and beyond through our co-design and co-production processes, to ensure the Leadership and Mentoring Toolkit that prioritises accessibility, cultural safety, inclusion, and wellbeing.
Learn more and explore the LEAD Toolkit below.
Sharing the Toolkit
We invite you to explore the toolkit and share it widely within your networks. Promoting these resources helps to break down barriers and ensure that disability rights and spaces are inclusive, intersectional and safe. Together, we can build a future where everyone is safe, valued, and heard.
1: Available now
Download the high-resolution image here: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/v8afidy9rbijo6h76elyf/4.png?rlkey=satdtg0sawg27057uremuipqj&dl=0
Image Description:
This single tile post has a orange to blue gradient background. The black WWDA logo, an icon of Australia made up of small illustrations representing disability and diversity next to black text that reads “Women with Disabilities Australia” is in the top-right corner. Large black text in the middle of the tile reads “WWDA LEAD Leadership and Mentoring Toolkit” with an icon of a toolkit, with a spanner and gear. A purple banner with a pink edge at the bottom of the tile features white text that says: “Available now” with the WWDA website link “www.wwda.org.au”.
Caption:
It’s International Day of People with Disabilities! 🎉
This year’s theme is “Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future”.
We believe in the power of leadership that reflects all voices, and we’re committed to the principle of “Nothing about us without us”. Today, we want to share a new resource that aims to amplify the voices of those with disability, making leadership more inclusive, accessible and empowering for all – the Leadership and Mentoring Toolkit, created by Women With Disabilities Australia (WWDA).
Specifically designed for women and gender-diverse people with disabilities, the Toolkit is packed with tips, ideas and strategies to help you to create real impact in your community.
Let’s challenge outdated perceptions of leadership and ensure that everyone has a seat at the table. Start exploring the LEAD Toolkit today and take the next step in your leadership journey. Your voice matters – and it’s time to make it heard!
Link: https://www.wwda.org.au/lead-toolkit/
Hashtags: #IDPwD #LEADToolkit #WeAreLeaders #NothingAboutUsWithoutUs #DisabilityInclusion
5: Accessibility
Download the high-resolution image here: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/zoueiywpzr9urywxlmrld/5.png?rlkey=fpz7xotc632htiy6q8yr82okq&dl=0
Image Description:
This single tile post has an green to orange gradient background. The purple WWDA logo, an icon of Australia made up of small illustrations representing disability and diversity next to purple text that reads “Women with Disabilities Australia” is in the top-right corner. Large black text in the middle of the tile reads “WWDA LEAD Leadership and Mentoring Toolkit” with an icon of a toolkit, with a spanner and gear. Below this are three white circles with black borders, displaying icons for Easy Read language, sign language and screen reader features. A purple banner with a green edge at the bottom of the tile has white text that says: “Available in Easy Read and Auslan, with screen reader features and captioning.”
Caption:
Did you know that the Leadership and Mentoring Toolkit was created by and for women and gender-diverse people with disabilities?
In celebration of the International Day of People with Disabilities, we’re proud to share this empowering resource from Women with Disabilities Australia (WWDA), designed to help you see yourself as a leader in your community. This year’s theme, “Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future”, encourages all of us to be included in conversations about our rights and our community. This Toolkit is packed with tools and insights to help you embrace your identity, grow your leadership skills, and advocate for change. It is completely free and available in multiple accessible formats. You’ll find videos with Auslan translations and closed captioning, Easy Read and language translations, including Northern Territory Kriol, and adaptive assistance tool features.
Whether you’re just beginning your leadership journey or looking to expand your impact, this resource is made with you in mind. Visit the WWDA website to explore the toolkit today and take your first steps toward creating change in your community!
Link: https://www.wwda.org.au/lead-toolkit/
Hashtags: #IDPwD #LEADToolkit #WeAreLeaders #NothingAboutUsWithoutUs #DisabilityInclusion
6: “Made for future leaders…”
Download the high-resolution image here: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/wwl0128a03smdpeelvx57/6.png?rlkey=r8wpjwuxp90529cfyg2hl60wd&dl=0
Image Description:
This single tile post has a pink to green gradient background. The white WWDA logo, an icon of Australia made up of small illustrations representing disability and diversity next to white text that reads “Women with Disabilities Australia” is in the top-right corner. Large black text in the middle of the tile reads “Made for future leaders and advocates”. A photo of smiling woman is featured in the bottom-right corner. She has pale skin and shoulder-length brown hair, wearing black glasses, a white blouse and a light tan jacket. A purple banner with an orange edge at the bottom of the tile features white text that reads: “WWDA LEAD Leadership and Mentoring Toolkit”, with an icon of a toolkit, with a spanner and gear. Below, in a white rounded text box with an orange border reads: “Available now”.
Caption:
Today is International Day for People with Disabilities, a day to recognise, celebrate and amplify the voices and diversity of the disability community in the fight for equity and inclusion. This year, the global community is focusing on the advancement of disability leadership, and the positive impact of disability experience in global discussions on sustainability and safety. It’s time for us to take the lead in shaping conversations about our rights, our futures, and our communities. By stepping into leadership roles, we can be the voice of positive change, ensuring that our perspectives and experiences are not just heard, but valued.
The Leadership and Mentoring Toolkit from Women with Disabilities Australia (WWDA) is designed to empower you to embrace and celebrate your unique leadership journey. Your lived experience is a powerful tool for advocacy and driving change, making our communities more accessible and inclusive for all. Step into your power, shape the future, and lead with confidence. Your voice matters, and your leadership can inspire a more equitable world for everyone.
Start your journey today and discover the LEAD Toolkit today 💫💼
Link: https://www.wwda.org.au/lead-toolkit/
Hashtags: #IDPwD #LEADToolkit #WeAreLeaders #NothingAboutUsWithoutUs #DisabilityInclusion
Contact Information
For technical issues or concerns, please contact officeadmin@wwda.org.au and you will be directed to the relevant staff member.
For media enquiries and appearances, please contact officeadmin@wwda.org.au and request Sophie Cusworth, Acting CEO of WWDA, and/or Karin Swift, WWDA President of the Committee of Management.
