Women With Disabilities Australia (WWDA)

Clare Gibellini, a dedicated disability rights advocate and our amazing Policy Officer, has been travelling! Throughout the past few months, she has attended several United Nations conferences and global forums on behalf of WWDA and she has made significant contributions to global disability justice. WWDA is grateful for her dedication and impactful representation on national and international levels. Read more about Clare's work here: https://buff.ly/4gpHBHx [Image description: This post features 6 photos of Clare at an international forum. 1 is a group photo from an NDIS event. Claire is sitting at the front on the right. 2 is Clare is speaking from her chair in a Beijing +30 committee session. 3, 4 and 5 are Clare with other delegates at Beijing +30. 6 shows Clare raising her hand in the committee room.] #DisabilityJustice #Advocate #HumanRights #UnitedNations #AccessibleForums #WWDA

Stay safe in the digital world! Online safety empowers people with disabilities to protect their information, build secure connections, and access digital spaces confidently. Neve's guide on "How to be safe online" is packed with tips to help you navigate the internet. This resource includes information on: - Online risks: Learn about common forms of online abuse. - Protecting yourself: Simple steps to keep your information private and manage your online interactions. - What to do if someone is doing something wrong online: Find resources for seeking help and reporting harassment, bullying and other forms of abuse online. Remember, we all deserve to be safe - online and in the physical world. Find out more here: https://buff.ly/3OP5612 [Image description: this tile has a purple background with red line features. A light purple oval in the top-left corner shows the website link for Neve. White text reads: "How to be safe online. *Online violence and abuse. *Different types of online violence. *Keeping your information safe." A photo of a woman wearing earphones and using a tablet device is shown. She has blonde hair, fair skin and is wearing a sleeveless yellow shirt with a paisley pattern. The white Neve logo is in the bottom-left corner.] #Neve #OnlineSafety #DisabilityInclusion #DigitalLiteracy #WWDA #AntiViolence

The safety of future generations starts with us! Every young person has the right to live free from violence, discrimination, and inequality, and deserves to enjoy that right. Many children, in Australia and around the world, do not live in safe conditions, whether from family violence, social discrimination or conflict violence. This year, the theme for Human Rights Day is "Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now". With this year's theme and 16 Days of Activism, we're partnering with our Youth Network to stand together and amplify the voices of young people, especially those who are often marginalised, including young women, girls and gender-diverse people with disabilities. Young people have the right to: - Safety: a right to be safe and free from violence at school, home and in public spaces. - Education: access to inclusive educational spaces and information that respects and accommodates their needs. - Health: access to affordable healthcare and mental health support. - Participation: a voice in decision-making and leadership, from their own lives to global forums. Young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are the changemakers of today. Together, we can break cycles of violence and build a future where every young person is empowered to live with dignity and purpose. Explore today's resources and our full 16 Days of Activism campaign here: https://buff.ly/4eJykJe [Image description: This post has two tiles with a purple to blue gradient background with round orange flower shapes with a black and white border. Small black text with orange background in the top-left corner says: "16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence". The white WWDA logo and the WWDA Youth Network logo sit below this text on tile 1. An illustration of two woman protesting is shown. One with pink curly hair is holding a megaphone and the other is holding up a sign that says "Hear our voices!" Below this, text reads: "Day 16: The rights of young people. Safety, dignity and respect in all spaces." Tile 2 has the WWDA and Youth Network logos in the bottom-right corner. Text on this tile reads: "Girls with disability are 3 to 4 times more likely to experience violence than their friends without disability. Source: WWDA Youth Network, Position Statement on violence."] #16DaysOfActivism #YouthRights #WWDAYouthNetwork #DisabilityRights #EndViolenceAgainstWomen

Human Rights for all! Today is both the final day of 16 Days of Activism and Human Rights Day. Let's reaffirm the rights of all women, girls and gender-diverse people with disabilities to live free from violence and discrimination. This year's theme is "Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now". That's why we advocate for a national Human Rights Act. Australia needs a Human Rights Act, to translate the human rights of people with disabilities into Australian law. This would ensure that everyone, including people with disabilities, have their rights protected and respected. We demand a future where women with disabilities are: • Safe: Free from violence and abuse in all settings. • Empowered: Able to make our own choices and live independently. • Respected: Treated with dignity and equality. Earlier this year, the 12 national Disability Representative Organisations worked together to make a statement about why Australia should have a Human Rights Act. You can read more about it here: https://buff.ly/3ZKfLjB Explore today's resources and our entire 16 Days of Activism campaign through this link: https://buff.ly/4eJykJe [Image description: This tile has a purple to blue gradient background with a light shadow shape pattern. The white WWDA logo is in the top-left corner. White text reads: "Position Statement: Human Rights Act. The human rights of people with disability must be protected in Australian law through a national Human Rights Act."] #16DaysOfActivism #HumanRightsDay #DisabilityRights #EndViolenceAgainstWomen #HumanRightsAct

No more excuses for abuse! We need to challenge the “halo effect” that protects abusers of people with disabilities. This happens when a belief is expressed that a partner, carer or other support person of someone with disability can “do no wrong.” Accountability is key to justice and preventing harm. However, the “halo effect”, where a person’s good reputation hides their abusive actions, can block or limit accountability. Respected abusers may be shielded by their status in society or institutions, causing victims to be doubted or denied justice as they escape consequence. Breaking the cycle requires challenging bias, recognising the impact of non-belief, and holding perpetrators accountable regardless of their public image. Let’s hold people accountable for their actions. For more information and resources, and explore our 16 Days campaign so far: https://buff.ly/4eJykJe [Image description: This post has two tiles with a purple to blue gradient background. Round orange lines can be seen along the edges of these tiles. Small black text with orange background in the top-left corner says: "16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence". The white WWDA logo sits below this text on tile 1. An illustration of a young woman with long blue hair in a wheelchair, facing a large hand motioning her to stop is shown. Below this, text reads: "Day 15: Accountability and the 'halo effect'". Tile 2 has the WWDA logo in the top-right corner. Text on this tile, in a white speech bubble reads: '“You're at the check-out [with a partner], and I'm the one who went to work and earned the money, planned the meals, put the food in the shopping trolley. Then you get to the check-out and people in the line ask how long you've been together and say to him, 'You're so good for looking after her.’” Marayke Jonkers, Paralympian, advocate and former PWDA President.'] #16DaysOfActivism #HaloEffect #Accountability #DisabilityRights #EndViolenceAgainstWomen

Everyone deserves accessible and safe infrastructure! For Day 14 of WWDA’s 16 Days of Activism campaign, we’re partnering with YWCA Australia (@ywcaaustralia) to address how inaccessible and unsafe housing and transport can increase the risk of violence. Safe housing and accessible transport are essential in preventing violence against women and gender-diverse people with disabilities. Accessible housing options, designed with our needs in mind, ensure that we have secure spaces to live independently - including when leaving violence. Reliable, accessible transport helps us safely access work, healthcare, and social support. Ensuring these essential services are inclusive and accessible empowers women with disabilities, supports their autonomy, and reduces risk of violence and abuse. This means: • Accessible and safe public transport: Wheelchair accessible buses, trains, and taxis with safeguards against violence and harassment. • Affordable and accessible housing: Homes that meet our needs and support our independence. • Support to find and maintain housing, including crisis accommodation: Assistance with applications, modifications, and tenancy. Let's break down these barriers to complete freedom and independence! Explore our 16 Days of Activism campaign links and resources here: https://buff.ly/4eJykJe YWCA recently released a new report with Swinburne University on the housing experiences and solutions of young women and gender-diverse people, including people living with disability. Read the full report and its key findings here: https://buff.ly/3Y4RLpg [Image description: This post has two tiles with a purple to blue gradient background. Blurred orange shapes can be seen in the background. Small black text with orange background in the top-left corner says: "16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence". The white WWDA logo and the YWCA logo sit below this text on tile 1. An illustration of a woman with black hair tied up in a bun with a purple sign with a house symbol is shown. She is raising her fist. Below this, text reads: "Day 14: Housing and transport. Your right to safe spaces that meet your needs." Tile 2 has the WWDA and YWCA logos in the bottom-right corner. Text on this tile reads: ""One of the biggest issues is that not having an accessible home means that you don't necessarily have the ability to be included in standard social and societal action." Megan Spindler-Smith, Deputy CEO, People with Disability Australia."] #16DaysOfActivism #WWDA #YWCAAustralia #Accessibility #HousingCrisis #Transport #EndViolenceAgainstWomen #Accessibility

Hope begins with safety. For Day 13 of WWDA’s 16 Days of Activism campaign, we’re partnering with the National Ethnic Disability Alliance (NEDA) to address gender-based violence in refugee and migrant communities. Refugees and immigrants, particularly those from cultural and language-diverse backgrounds or conflict zones, face increased rates of gender-based violence and disability. Language barriers, inaccessible shelters during conflict or crisis, visa and financial abuse, displacement and limited healthcare can prevent them from accessing critical support. Addressing the needs of refugees and immigrants requires inclusive services that recognise and respond to the unique barriers they face. This includes providing accessible safe spaces, trauma-informed care, and culturally-informed services. Empowering disabled refugees and immigrants is essential for their safety, dignity, and recovery. We need: • Accessible information: Translated resources and culturally sensitive support. • Trauma-informed services: Understanding the complex needs of immigrant and refugee women who have experienced gender-based and/or conflict-related violence. • Community support: Building inclusive communities where everyone feels welcome and safe. Let's stand with immigrant and refugee women with disabilities and create a world where everyone is safe – always. Find out more about today's theme and our 16 Days of Activism campaign so far: https://buff.ly/4eJykJe [Image description: This post has two tiles with a purple to blue gradient background. Round orange lines can be seen along the edges of these tiles. Small black text with orange background in the top-left corner says: "16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence". The white WWDA logo and NEDA logo sit below this text on tile 1. An illustration of a woman with short brown hair, an orange cardigan and a megaphone is shown. Below this, text reads: "Day 13: Refugees and immigrants. Hope begins with safety." Tile 2 has the WWDA and NEDA logos in the bottom-right corner. Text on this tile reads: "1 in 3 people with disability from diverse cultural or language backgrounds experience violence and abuse. Source: Disability Royal Commission 2023". Three icon images representing women are shown, 1 in orange and 2 in blue.] #16DaysOfActivism #Immigrant #Refugees #DisabilityRights #EndViolenceAgainstWomen #Inclusion

Everyone deserves to feel safe and supported, but women with disabilities often face unique risks and barriers when seeking help for violence or abuse. This includes barriers to knowing your rights or getting information that can help you or others you care about. Understanding your rights and knowing where to find help is essential — access to clear, inclusive information can make all the difference when it comes to our autonomy. The Safety and Violence section on Our Site offers accessible, easy-to-understand resources tailored to the needs of people with disabilities. Whether you’re looking for information on your rights, safety planning, or how to seek help, Our Site can help. Explore this page and more with Our Site, here: https://buff.ly/3kZKi5l 🟣 Comment "link" to get this amazing resource sent straight to your inbox! 🟣 [Image description: this tile has a light red background. A round purple shape in the top-left corner shows the white WWDA logo. Text reads: "Safety and violence. *Getting help. *Respectful relationships. *Myths and facts. *Staying safe online. *Easy Read factsheets." Next to the text is an illustration of an older woman with curly hair and purple clothes in a wheelchair. A white round banner with a purple edge below reads: "Find out more with Our Site: oursite. wwda. org. au". The Our Site logo is in the bottom-right corner.] #16DaysOfActivism #OurSite #Accessibility #ViolencePrevention #DisabilityInclusion

Autonomy is our right! We deserve to make our own choices. Violence disproportionately affects women and gender-diverse people with disabilities, limiting our autonomy and infringing on our rights. The Disability Royal Commission recognised limited or denied autonomy as a form of abuse which extends across different areas of our lives, including healthcare, relationships, safety, housing, money, and end-of-life care. Respecting autonomy is essential for breaking the cycle of violence. It requires inclusive policies, accessible resources, and support that prioritise diverse needs. By championing autonomy, we foster resilience and ensure that all of our voices can be heard and respected. This means: • Ending restrictive practices and substituted decision-making: No more forced treatments or limitations on our freedom, or our right to supported decision-making if we need it. • Preventing financial abuse: We have the right to control our own money. • Supporting our autonomy: Listen to us, respect our decisions, and provide the support we need to live independently. Let's break down the barriers to autonomy! Click this link to explore today's resources and our entire 16 Days campaign so far: https://buff.ly/4eJykJe [Image description: This post has two tiles with a purple to blue gradient background. Round orange flower shapes can be seen in the background. Small black text with orange background in the top-left corner says: "16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence". The white WWDA logo sits below this text on tile 1. An illustration of a woman with short tight-curled black hair and a megaphone, and a woman with long blond hair and a prosthetic arm is shown. Below this, text reads: "Day 12: Autonomy. Everyone deserves freedom and choice." Tile 2 has the WWDA logo in the top-right corner. Text on this tile reads: "“Disabled people deserve a place in every room where power is built, decisions are made, and money exchanged... We are fiercely capable problem solvers and deserve to build rich lives, whatever that looks like - on our own terms.” Hannah Diviney, Writer, actor and disability advocate."] #16DaysOfActivism #Autonomy #DisabilityRights #EndViolenceAgainstWomen #FinancialAbuse

Accessibility is not optional! Women, girls and gender-diverse people with disabilities experiencing violence need support. But too often, services and support information are inaccessible. This is not okay. We need services that: - Understand the complexity of disability and how to provide appropriate support. - Are located in accessible buildings and spaces. - Provide information in accessible formats, including Easy English, Auslan and braille. - Offer support for all of our needs, including communication, sensory, and cognitive aids. Let's make sure everyone can get the help they need! For more information about our 16 Days campaign and accessibility, click this link: https://buff.ly/4eJykJe [Image description: This post has two tiles with a purple to blue gradient background. Round purple and orange lines can be seen along the edges of these tiles. Small black text with orange background in the top-left corner says: "16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence". The white WWDA logo sits below this text on tile 1. An illustration of a woman with long black hair, styled in plaits, light tan skin and using a walking aid is shown. Below this, text reads: "Day 11: Accessibility. Help has to be accessible for everyone." Tile 2 has the WWDA logo in the top-right corner. Text on this tile reads: "Accessibility matters - and actually, it benefits everybody. Listen to us, and consider us. Because even if you don't see us, we are here." Zoe Simmons, Disability advocate, journalist and writer."] #16DaysOfActivism #Accessibility #DisabilityRights #EndViolenceAgainstWomen #Inclusion