April 2004

Women’s advocacy first

Community Services Minister Sherryl Garbutt has announced the establishment of the first disability advocacy service for women in Victoria.

Making the announcement at an International Women’s Day function, Ms Garbutt said the Government would provide $124,666 annually to Women’s Health Victoria to operate the statewide Victorian Women with Disabilities Network.

‘The Government is committed to ensuring people with disabilities can assert their rights and have the same opportunities as other Victorians.

‘Research conducted by the Victorian Women with Disabilities Network shows that women with disabilities are more marginalised than men with disabilities.

‘They are also more likely to be less educated, in poorer health and unemployed.

‘This new organisation will help tackle the discrimination and social barriers experienced by women with disabilities and give them the support, skills and confidence to stick up for themselves.’

Ms Garbutt said the network would provide a range of advocacy services and supports for women with disabilities as well as undertake research into strategies to better support them.

‘For the first time, Victorian women with disabilities will be supported by an advocacy service developed by women with disabilities for women with disabilities.’

Ms Garbutt said funding for the network builds on $743,000 in annual Government funding for disability advocacy organisations in Victoria.

‘The Government is committed to ensuring that people with a disability are heard and valued in their local communities,’ she said.

‘Through the implementation of the State Disability Plan, we are working with community organisations to develop effective advocacy and encouraging all Victorians with a disability to take action for what they believe in.

‘We want people with disabilities to have the same chance to contribute and benefit from community life as any other Victorian.’

The State Disability Plan, launched in September 2002, outlines the Government’s 10-year vision to support the rights and individual aspirations of people with disabilities within the community.