Enabling the next generation of leaders

YOUNG women and non-binary people with disability are having a significant impact locally, nationally and globally through action, activism and education.

People such as environmental activist Greta Thunberg, Australian of the Year Grace Tame and Geelong actor Chloe Hayden are young, disabled and changing the world.

When action is needed, leaders rise, but leaders do not just magically appear – they need to find themselves first and learn how to lead.

Women with Disabilities Victoria’s (WDV) Enabling Young Women Leadership Program aims to unearth that potential through fun and meaningful ways.

The Barwon region has a strong legacy of disabled advocates and innovative disability inclusion, making it a perfect fit for the online empowerment program.

To represent and capture the needs of the region, WDV has formed a reference group consisting of local organisations with expert knowledge and connections.

The program has also created valued employment opportunities for emerging leaders such as local woman Vanessa Davies who joins WDV as the program’s co-facilitator.

Vanessa and the WDV team are now looking for; women and non-binary youth (aged between 18 and 25), with disability, who live, work, or play in the Barwon region (Surf Coast, Geelong, Queenscliffe and Colac Otway), to participate in the program.

The seven-week online leadership program will start from the middle of this month and will conclude with a gradation to celebrate participant achievements.

The program and all materials are free for participants.

Activities and sessions are adaptable to meet access needs.

Applications are now open. For more information and to apply, head to WDV’s website at wdv.org.au