Women with Disabilities ACT (WWDACT) is a Disabled People’s Organisation (DPO) that practices systemic advocacy on behalf of women, girls, non-binary and gender diverse people with disabilities in the ACT.
Systemic advocacy aims to create a more inclusive community through changes to legislation, policy, and practices. WWDACT uses systemic advocacy to protect and enforce the rights and interests of women and non-binary people with disabilities in the ACT.
Our members provide us with knowledge based in lived experience which helps us to:
- Identify areas of concern for women and non-binary people with disabilities in the ACT
- Identify problems that exist within ACT systems
- Advocate to governments and other organisations about our needs
- Learn from each other, grow our skills and strengthen our community
We follow a human rights philosophy, based on the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).
What is a Disabled People’s Organisation (DPO)?
A Disabled People’s Organisation (DPO) describes non-government organisations that are led and governed by people with disabilities.
At WWDACT, we are 100% governed by women* and non-binary people with disabilities. As a DPO, a majority of our staff identify as women* and non-binary people with disabilities. We are proud to be a workplace where all ongoing staff are women* and non-binary people with disabilities.
DPOs are a part of the international disability rights movement.
Who do we support?
WWDACT is an advocacy organisation for any person living in the ACT and experiencing the impacts of gender discrimination and disability discrimination.
We advocate for all women, girls, non-binary and gender diverse people with disabilities in the ACT – anyone who identifies as such. This includes (but is not limited to) physical, cognitive, invisible and intellectual disabilities, mental illness and psychosocial disabilities, neurodivergence, brain injury, Deaf/deaf, blind, deafblind, and chronic illness. Many of our members have more than one type of disability – this is why our organisation uses the term ‘women with disabilities’.
Our events, consultations and advocacy are open to everyone who self-identifies as a woman, non-binary or gender diverse person with disabilities. We welcome everyone regardless of whether they have received a diagnosis.
People experiencing gender discrimination
We are passionate in our efforts to highlight the lived experiences of all who have been impacted by systemic gender oppression, including trans women, intersex people, non-binary and gender diverse people with disabilities.
Our full membership welcomes all women, non-binary and gender diverse people who have experienced or are currently experiencing gendered oppression. Self-definition is at the discretion of the individual.
Cisgender men (men who are not transgender, intersex or gender diverse) cannot become full members but can sign up as associate members.