This year, International Women’s Day is about accelerating action, breaking through biases and pathing the way for shared advancement.
As an organisation, challenging discrimination and supporting individuals to fulfil their potential is what we are about. We are incredibly proud that our workforce is made up of close to 60% women, who help to support more than 360 women in our communities. Emily, one of our Raising Voices Liaisons in Tasmania, is leading the way in ensuring women’s voices are heard to make positive changes in the disability sector.
“Working in the Human Rights and Client Voice team, no day is the same! Sometimes, I am out and about visiting the people we support and supporting them to have their voices heard. Sometimes, I am sharing my own experiences to help people understand the experiences of a person with disability, and sometimes, I am in meetings, collaborating with our amazing staff, working towards the shared goal of increasing the quality of life for the people we support.
I have been a part of the disability sector since I was a very small child. Despite the many challenges this brought, it feels like coming back home. Through my work, I can give back to the sector that helped raise me. I am also passionate about sharing my story and helping others share theirs. Together, we can make a better world for us all.
I have used my role to help women with disability recognise their voices and encourage them to have their voices heard across a wide range of subjects. I have also had the pleasure of working alongside some amazing women with disability within our organisation. I have supported them in making their voices heard both within and outside Possability.
We can call out stereotypes, challenge discrimination, question bias, celebrate women’s success, and so much more. Additionally, sharing our knowledge and encouragement with others is key.
Through my work, I can share my stories and my experiences. By being able to share my stories and supporting others to do the same, I have started to notice a shift: through these stories, we are starting to make positive changes and make the world a better place, one story at a time.
I also enjoy bringing my dog Pansy with me and seeing people’s faces light up when they see her. By bringing her, I have shown that I am not afraid to be my authentic self and that I am a confident person with a disability.
For me, gender equality is so important, as it allows us to embrace the differences that we all have and use them to make the world a better place. We also need to continue to shine a light on women with disability and encourage us to come to the table to impact change and reflect on our successes as women.”