Hub to connect women of all abilities

A NEW leadership network for women with disabilities is being established in Bendigo.

Women with Disabilities Victoria, currently operates four networks, known as hubs, across the state in Barwon, Cobram, Warrnambool, and outer eastern Melbourne.

Co-ordinator at WDC, Liz Wright, said the hubs were established as more women became engaged with the organisations training and leadership programs.

“It became obvious there was a great sense of community and connection for women, and it gave them a strength-based approach to improving community standards and advocating for themselves and others,” she said.

“The hubs meet once a month and, while they’re social and people have lunch together, people share experiences, look at local issues and barriers, and advocate in a systemic way around creating a better environment for everybody.”

WDV has partnered with Centre for Non-Violence for the Loddon hub, which launches on Thursday, 30 June.

“It makes sense to be in a host relationship with someone with extra connections, and we have extra connections across the state as well,” Ms Wright said.

“We thought being involved with the Centre for Non-Violence would be great and they were incredibly receptive.

“We know women with disability are over-represented in family and sexual violence, so a connection between health organisations, the community, and family prevention of violence organisations is a really important relationship.”

Ms Wright said the hub will meet once a month, facilitated by a liaison officer who will take ideas and provide information and resources to members.

“As they’re knowledge and pride grow around seeing themselves as a full person and not as somebody less than someone without a disability, people get more confident,” she said.

“They may go back to study, pursue employment, join an advisory committee and doing advocacy work outward as well as for themselves.”

Women with Disabilities Victoria is a not-for-profit organisation run by and for women and non-binary people of all ages with disabilities.