Women With Disabilities ACT Incorporated

Women With Disabilities ACT Incorporated (WWDACT) is a not-for-profit community organisation based in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) that advocates for the rights and well-being of women, girls, feminine-identifying and non-binary people with disabilities. Established in 1995, WWDACT is run by women with disabilities for women with disabilities, focusing on systemic advocacy and peer support within the ACT region and its surrounds[4][1].

Mission and Philosophy

WWDACT operates under a human rights framework, aligning its work with international treaties such as the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). The organisation aims to foster an inclusive community by influencing legislation, policy, and societal practices to better serve and protect the interests of women with disabilities[1][4].

Activities and Advocacy

The organisation engages in systemic advocacy, which involves working to create structural changes in government and community systems to improve accessibility, safety, and equality. Their advocacy efforts are informed by the lived experience of their members, ensuring that policies and programs address the specific needs of women with disabilities.

WWDACT works collaboratively with governmental and non-governmental organisations to improve the status and lives of women with disabilities in the ACT. One focus area is combating violence against women with disabilities, who experience violence at nearly twice the rate of non-disabled women in the region. WWDACT stresses the importance of dedicated programs and policies tailored to protect and support this vulnerable population[5][2].

Support and Community Engagement

Alongside advocacy, WWDACT provides peer support and community engagement opportunities. They organise events, workshops, and forums to empower women with disabilities and create connections among members. These initiatives help build collective knowledge and promote self-advocacy within the community[1][4].

Governance and Structure

Women With Disabilities ACT is incorporated as a nonprofit entity and holds an Australian Business Number (ABN 74908530982RR0001). The organisation is governed according to its constitution, which outlines its objectives, membership, and operational guidelines[3].

Significance

Women With Disabilities ACT plays a crucial role in representing a significant demographic in the ACT, with approximately 32,600 women with disabilities constituting over half of the people with disabilities in the territory. WWDACT’s work addresses critical issues such as discrimination, violence, and access to services, contributing to the broader movement for disability rights and gender equality in Australia[5].

Through its systemic advocacy and peer support, WWDACT continues to be a vital voice for women with disabilities, influencing public policy and community awareness to foster a more inclusive society.

This article is based on information sourced from the official Women With Disabilities ACT website and related documents[1][2][3][4][5].

[1] https://wwdact.org.au [2] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/047692b3-3aaf-e811-a963-000d3ad24077/documents/f892788e-827d-ec11-8d20-00224892206f [3] https://d35ohva3c1yycw.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/28130200/WWDACT-Constitution-September2021.pdf [4] https://afdo.org.au/women-with-disabilities-act-wwdact/ [5] https://www.parliament.act.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/1128651/Sub-No.-19-Women-with-Disabilities-ACT-Inc..pdf