Women With Disabilities ACT Incorporated

Women with Disabilities ACT Incorporated (WWDACT) is a systemic advocacy and peer support organisation dedicated to representing and empowering women, girls, non-binary, and gender diverse people with disabilities in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and surrounding regions. Established in 1995, WWDACT operates from a human rights perspective, guided by international frameworks 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 is led and governed by women and non-binary people with disabilities, ensuring that lived experience shapes its advocacy and activities.

Mission and Vision

WWDACT’s mission is to advocate for the rights, inclusion, and wellbeing of women and gender diverse people with disabilities, aiming to create a more inclusive and equitable community. Its vision is a society where women and non-binary people with disabilities have full access to opportunities, leadership, and freedom from discrimination and violence.

Main Objectives

• Systemic advocacy: Influencing legislation, policies, and practices to improve the lives of women and gender diverse people with disabilities.
• Peer support: Building community and mutual support networks among members.
• Empowerment: Enhancing skills, knowledge, and confidence through workshops and events.
• Raising awareness: Highlighting issues at the intersection of gender and disability, including health, safety, housing, and education.

Benefiting Groups

WWDACT supports all women, girls, non-binary, and gender diverse people with disabilities in the ACT region. This includes individuals with physical, cognitive, intellectual, invisible, psychosocial disabilities, neurodivergence, brain injury, sensory impairments, and chronic illnesses. Membership and participation are inclusive of those who self-identify with these groups, regardless of formal diagnosis.

Services and Activities

• Systemic advocacy campaigns to influence government and organisational policies.
• Peer events such as coffee catch-ups and creative workshops to foster community connection.
• Skill-building workshops led by specialised facilitators to develop knowledge and confidence.
• Publications including member-made magazines that share stories, artwork, and experiences.
• Consultations and collaborations with other disability and gender advocacy groups to strengthen collective impact.