The WWDACT E-Bulletin, Issue 14/18 is out now. View this e-Bulletin in your browser here. Fill out the form here to subscribe.
Message from the Chair
Dear Members and Colleagues,
This week is Science Week and WWDACT congratulates Dr Rose Ahlefeldt who has been named as the ACT Scientist of the Year. We still face a strong gender bias against women in science so it is great to recognise excellence and achievement of a young woman scientist.
The WWDACT Board has also been considering its own rhetoric around gender, and has concluded that the language we have been using in our publications and materials has not properly reflected the philosophy of the organisation or been truly inclusive. The CRPD states that ‘disability is an evolving concept’ and we are used to this language. We live the reality that concepts of gender, sex and sexuality are also evolving. Our WWDACT name states ‘women’ with disabilities, and we had already expanded this to include ‘women and girls’ with disabilities. We have decided that it is more inclusive to make it clear that our constituents encompass ‘women, girls, and non-binary, feminine identifying people with disabilities in the ACT’. This is a much more realistic, and welcoming description for our membership.
Don’t forget that membership of WWDACT is free and open to women, girls, and non-binary, feminine identifying people with disabilities in the ACT. Allies can become associate members. It is as simple as sending an email to Kathy at communications@wwdact.org.au with your name and contact details.
This week, WWDACT welcomes a new staff member. Kathy Ehmann commenced work as our Communications & Administration Officer. She will be the person distributing this e-Bulletin and organizing membership.
Looking forward to meeting up with members, allies and friend at WWDACT Social Drop-In #2 on Thursday 23 August from 11am to 1pm at Interlude café, 16 Marcus Clarke St in Civic. See you there!
Regards, Sue
Chair, WWDACT