International Women’s Day 2025: Championing Australian Women and Gender-Diverse People with Disability
This Saturday, March 8, 2025, the NGO Training Centre joins the world in celebrating International Women’s Day, a powerful call to unite our voices and declare: “Women’s rights are human rights!”
The 2025 United Nations theme, “For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment,” speaks directly to our diverse communities. It’s a call to embrace every facet of identity; faith, race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, and disability, and to honour the contributions of those who’ve shaped our past, stand with us today, and will lead us into the future.
For Australian women and gender-diverse people with disabilities, the journey toward equality is marked by unique challenges and triumphs. Over 4 million Australians live with a disability, and women and gender-diverse individuals within this group often face compounded barriers, whether it’s inaccessible workplaces, higher rates of poverty, or societal attitudes that underestimate their potential.
Yet, their impact is undeniable, from the outback to our cities, in boardrooms, arts, and advocacy.
Think of icons like Stella Young, the late comedian and disability advocate whose sharp wit and TEDx talk “I’m not your inspiration, thank you very much” challenged stereotypes nationwide. Or consider Carly Findlay OAM , a writer and speaker, who uses her platform to advocate for disability pride and inclusion. These voices remind us that empowerment isn’t about pity—it’s about equity.
International Women’s Day 2025 comes just before the United Nations’ 69th Commission on the Status of Women, which will review the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action – milestones Australia has committed to advancing.
As a nation, we must ask: Are we truly delivering rights, equality, and empowerment for women and gender-diverse people with disabilities? The stats tell a sobering story – women with disability are twice as likely to experience violence than those without, and employment rates for people with disabilities remain stubbornly low at 48% compared to 80% for those without disabilities (ABS, 2022).
Yet, there’s progress to celebrate. Initiatives like the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) have opened doors to greater independence, while grassroots efforts, like Women With Disabilities Australia (WWDA) and Women with Disabilities Victoria amplify lived experiences to shape policy. Gender-diverse advocates, such as Transfolk of WA , are also pushing for inclusion that reflects the full spectrum of identity.
From Paralympic stars like Madison de Rozario , who’s dominated the track and inspired a generation, to First Nations advocates like Gayle Rankine, who bridged disability and cultural leadership, Australian women and gender-diverse people with disabilities are rewriting the narrative.
In the arts, the Accessible Arts Network supports creators who challenge norms, while in tech, innovators are designing solutions with disability in mind, think Sydney-based Canva’s accessibility features.
These achievements aren’t just personal wins—they’re a national strength. They show that when we invest in diversity, we all thrive.
Celebration is vital, but International Women’s Day 2025 is also a call to act.
Employers, let’s make workplaces accessible. Ramps and screen readers are a good start, but true inclusion means flexible work and fair opportunities.
Policymakers, let’s fund programs like the Disability Royal Commission recommendations to tackle systemic gaps. And all of us, let’s amplify these voices, share their stories, hire their talent, and listen to their expertise.
In Australia, we pride ourselves on a fair go. Let’s extend that ethos to women and gender-diverse people with disabilities – not just on March 8, but year-round.
Support local orgs like WWDA or the Australian Disability Network. Mentor a young leader with disability. Advocate for a National Gender Equality Strategy that explicitly includes them.
As we mark International Women’s Day 2025, let’s honor the trailblazers, stand with today’s changemakers, and pave the way for tomorrow’s leaders.
In the spirit of mateship and fairness, let’s build an Australia where every woman and gender-diverse person with disability has their rights upheld, their equality assured, and their empowerment celebrated.
From all of us at the NGO Training Centre, Happy International Women’s Day, Australia!!
Let’s make it a fair go for all!
Want to learn more and explore some great resources? Visit: https://iwda.org.au/resources/
Written by Amanda Robinson, B.A., MMentalHealth Prac.
Amanda is a professional with over a decade of dedicated experience in the fields of Mental Health and Disability. Her extensive expertise lies in navigating the intricate landscape of the Disability Sector. She brings a unique perspective to her work, being both a person with lived experience of disability and a compassionate carer. She has a passion for advocacy, making her a staunch champion for the rights and well-being of individuals facing similar challenges.
