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March 2026
WDV News and Updates:
Opportunities
Member Updates
Additional Updates:
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This month, WDV has continued to contribute to key conversations shaping prevention, inclusion and systems change across Victoria. This edition of eNews reflects some of that work.
I was pleased to present to Safer Care Victoria’s My Maternity Journey Expert Advisory Group, contributing to the development of a consumer-facing resource to guide people through pregnancy and the first year of parenthood. I presented on the experiences of intimate partner violence in the perinatal period, and why embedding a disability lens is critical. When maternity care is not inclusive of women and gender diverse people with disabilities, it can reinforce the conditions that allow violence and discrimination to occur or remain undisclosed. This is an important opportunity for WDV to influence maternity care in Victoria, with safety, inclusion and lived experience at the centre.
I also recently spent time in Ballarat with the Women’s Health Services Network Victoria CEOs for a strategic planning session. It was a valuable opportunity to reflect on the legacy of Victoria’s women’s health infrastructure, and the ongoing role we play in advancing equity, safety and wellbeing for women and gender diverse people across the state.
Several staff also attended Safe and Equal’s PreventX Conference, contributing to discussions on inclusive and accessible prevention practice. You can read more about this work below.
You may have visited our website recently and noticed a new look and feel. We’ve recently launched an updated version and are aware that some links and pages are not working as expected. Our team is actively working to resolve these issues and restore any missing content. We appreciate your patience while we complete these updates.
Across this work, we remain focused on strengthening gender equality and disability inclusion in practice. We appreciate your ongoing engagement as we continue to build momentum for change together.
In solidarity,
TMK
Trishima Mitra-Kahn |
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Image Description: A group of people sitting on a couch and some standing behind. Some of them are wearing yellow lanyards. These are all CEOs from across the Women's Health Services Network at the meeting in Ballarat.
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PreventX - Stories for Change |
Several WDV staff attended Safe
and Equal’s PreventX Conference this month, centred on the theme Stories for
Change, joining practitioners, advocates and leaders from across the
violence prevention sector.
WDV contributed to the
accessibility and inclusion of the conference, including through consultation
with our Gender and Disability Experts by Experience. This work helped ensure
access and participation in the conference was shaped by lived experience.
Gender and Disability Training
Coordinator Katie Gomes presented a breakout session on prevention workforce
development, From fear to confidence: embedding gender and
disability-inclusive prevention. The session explored how fear of getting
it wrong can act as a barrier for practitioners, and shared practical ways to
build confidence in inclusive and accessible practice. Katie’s
session strongly resonated with participants, with many speakers referencing
her insights throughout the conference as they reflected on their own practice.
WDV also hosted a stall at the
conference, where staff connected with attendees and shared information about
our work to prevent gender and disability-based violence.
The conference closed with
Dr Lena Molnar representing WDV on the plenary panel, contributing to
reflections on the future of prevention and reinforcing the importance of
inclusive approaches. |
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Image Description: A group of six women standing in front of the WDV book at PreventX conference. The group are WDV staff members and they are all smiling.
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Image Description: An image of Katie presenting the session at PreventX. Katie stands behind a lectern at the front of a large dark room. Behind her is a slide show, showing a slide that reads: 'I'm scared of saying the wrong thing." Below this title is a list, reading 'fear of wrong language, fear of causing harm, fear of being corrected, fear of getting it wrong publicly.' |
Women Deliver 2026 Scholarships Now Closed |
Applications for the Women Deliver 2026 (WD2026)
Scholarship Program have now closed.
We received 99 applications from across Victoria,
highlighting the depth and diversity of leadership among women and gender
diverse people with disabilities. Applicants represented regional and remote
communities, a wide age range, First Nations and culturally diverse
communities, LGBTIQA+ communities, and a broad range of disability experiences.
These applications will now be reviewed, and our selection
panel will work together to identify at least 16 scholarship recipients. This
process is designed to ensure a fair and considered approach, with a strong
focus on supporting a diverse group of participants, including people who
experience intersecting barriers to participation.
We expect to notify all applicants of the outcome by the end of March 2026.
The WD2026 conference will bring thousands of advocates,
leaders and changemakers to Melbourne, creating an important opportunity to
strengthen collective action for gender equality, disability rights and social
justice. Through this scholarship program, WDV is proud to support women and
gender diverse people with disabilities to participate in this global
conversation.
We sincerely thank everyone who took the time to apply and
share their experiences, insights and aspirations. |
Enabling Women Leadership Program |
Last Wednesday facilitators Bridget, Libby and Julia happily welcomed a new group of women and gender diverse people with disability as part of the Autumn Enabling Women Leadership Program. For the next eight sessions the Program will empower participants with leadership knowledge and skills. Well done to all the new participants on starting such an exciting journey!
A key element to WDV’s Enabling Women Leadership Program is the Enabling Women Mentor Program. Program participants are matched with members of the community who will support them to work towards a leadership goal. Applications will be opening soon. For any questions about the Mentor Program, please contact WDV's Enabling Women Mentor Program Coordinator, Julia Coscolluela (she/her). Phone: 03 9286 7809 Email: leadership@wdv.org.au
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Image Description: Sandy social media tile. WDV logo. Two women with disabilities, one a wheelchair user, the other uses a white cane. Text says: Mentors Wanted, The Enabling Women Mentor Program 2026.
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Hub Updates
This month Bridget also had the privilege, alongside Hub Liaison Officer Teagan, to host the Online Victorian Leadership Hub. In a big coup for the emerging group, special guest Eliza Hull jumped online for a robust conversation with Hub members. The award-winning musician, writer and disability advocate spoke about writing and gave a great insight into the local publishing world. Eliza is the first of many exciting guests lined up for the Hub. Keep an eye on WDV’s socials for more information as its announced. New members welcome! Free to attend.
Register now - https://wwdv.wildapricot.org/event-6418595.
Or email Hubs@wdv.og.au / Call 03 9286 7813.
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Image Description: Sandy social media tile. WDV regional pick logo. Text reads: “Online Victorian Leadership Hub. Upcoming Meeting Dates Wednesday April 8, Wednesday April 22, Wednesday May 6, Wednesday May 20 6:30 - 7:30pm. Online via Zoom.” Graphic of a ticked calendar page. |
Hub Liaison Officer for the Barwon region, Teagan, took to the local media to chat about all the exciting updates for the long-standing local Hub. Check out the chat in full from the Geelong Times.
Meanwhile at the Melbourne Outer East, Bendigo and Barwon Leadership Hubs, members participated in consultations for a new resource the CIWE team are developing to help identify and combat ableism in our communities. Meeting with Hub members from across the state is an important and valuable practice. Thanks once again to our incredible Hub members for their support!
Hub Liaison Officer, Emma continued to lead the Bendigo Hub in developing their upcoming Anti-Ableism forum. Working with local groups from RIAC and Have a Say Bendigo, the forum is shaping up to be a wonderful day of lived experience insight and practical advice. While details are still being worked out, excitingly we can confirm that it will all take place Monday 18 May 2026, from 10:30am at Larnangurrak (Our Place), 43 Hattam Rd Golden Square, Bendigo. We will be releasing more information in the coming weeks. For any immediate questions please contact Emma King - emma.king@wdv.org.au or 0455 518 591. |
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Image Description: Larnangurrak (Our Place) building.
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International Women's Day
This month we celebrated the many achievements of our WDV community on International Women’s Day. WDV member and former Youth Expert Husna Amanni recently spoke during an online panel event for IWD held by Femme Solidarity. The discussion heard from women of colour, as well as women and gender diverse people with disabilities, and also shared the perspective from a male ally. It explored how community interventions can support women and children at risk of, or experiencing family violence, and discusses the ways in which men from multicultural backgrounds can be allies for women’s rights.
Link to the video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLOgOjY3QRk |
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Image description: The Femme Solidarity logo - a light pink circle with the words 'Femme Solidarity Women's Empowerment' at the top, then a graphic of four silhouettes standing in front of one another.'
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Also from International Women’s Day former Hub member, Rachel, was featured in this story from Belonging Matters and Knox City.
Link: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1FF1fSiUkj/
As the month comes to an end we would like to wish a happy Neurodiversity Celebration Week to all our community, from the fabulously neurodiverse CIWE team. |
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Image Description: The neurodiversity celebration week logo. An image of a lightbulb with a colourful image within, representing a diverse brain. The words 'neurodiversity celebration week'. |
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Image description: A stylised icon against a transparent background. A part of the new WDV branding, a slowly opening light purple door is being depicted, with orange shading coming from the inside. This icon represents Opportunities. |
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Voluntary Role: Board Director and Assistant Treasurer
Women with Disabilities Victoria (WDV) is inviting interested persons with a finance skillset to join the WDV Board.
The WDV Board of Directors is the voice of our members. The Board’s job is to set the strategic direction of, and govern, the organisation. Our work includes advocacy, representation, and implementing projects. We also raise awareness, through workforce training, about issues facing women and gender diverse people with different kinds of disability across Victoria. We seek to advance intersectional gender equity and invite women, nonbinary and gender diverse people to apply.
Position Location: Online.
Remuneration: This is an unremunerated position; however, a token sitting fee payment is available and approved expenses will be reimbursed.
For more information and to apply, visit the WDV website here: https://wdv.org.au/employment-opportunities/ Applications will close on 12 April. |
Gender and Disability Experts by Experience - Advocates Available for Training and Consultation
Women with Disabilities Victoria’s Gender
& Disability Experts by Experience Advocates are a group of women and
gender diverse people with different experiences of disability.
They are available for consultations to
support the development of gender and disability inclusive policies, products,
and services.
They also offer one-hour introductory training
that covers aspects of gender equality, disability inclusion and prevention
of violence against women with disabilities.
Consultations:
Consultations take place monthly
via Zoom, on Thursdays between 11am and 2pm. You will be supported throughout
the process, enabling you to get the most from your consultation time.
Consultation fees:
1 consultation session (60-minute session) =
$880
2 consultation sessions (120-minute session)
= $1,660
Please note if booking 2 consultations, both
consultations do not need to be conducted on the same day. Session length can
be negotiated.
Training:
Our Introduction to Preventing Violence
Against Women with Disabilities is based on research, evidence and the lived
experience of women with disabilities.
1-hour sessions can be held online or in
person and content may be adjusted to meet your group’s training needs.
Training cost:
$600
Please note: The cost may vary if there are
requirements in addition to our standard sessions.
How to book:
Contact the Gender and Disability
Workforce Development Team at gandd@wdv.org.au for further information or to book a session.
Generally, a minimum
of 8-weeks' notice is required. |
Pleasure and Disability Workshops
WDV is proud to partner with WHIN, WHISE and Sexual Health Victoria to deliver Pleasure for EveryBODY: Accessible & Inclusive Intimacy for People with Disabilities - a free, two-part workshop series created for women and gender diverse people with disabilities.
These sessions offer a safe, inclusive and empowering space to explore sexuality, relationships and pleasure through a rights-based lens. Where: Toorak/South Yarra Library When: Monday 20 & 27 April | 6:00–7:30pm Cost: Free Wheelchair accessible venue and AUSLAN interpreters provided.
Registration link: https://events.humanitix.com/pleasure-for-everybody-accessible-and-inclusive-intimacy Or contact Melissa Jolley for more information: melissa.jolley@wdv.org.au |
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Image description: A stylised icon against a transparent background. A part of the new WDV branding, this silhouette shows two people slightly overlapping, one a light shade of purple and one orange. The 'V' from the WDV logo is positioned on the right side of the orange person's sternum, like a heart. This icon represents Members, and is shown above the relevant updates for WDV Members. |
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WDV Membership Survey
Thank you so much to everyone who has completed the survey and encouraged other members to complete it!
If you are still thinking about it, today is a great day to do it.
Our 2026 WDV Membership Survey is an important way for us to learn what matters most to our members. Your answers will help us decide what issues to focus on and guide our work in 2026.
If your friends are also WDV members please encourage them to complete the survey.
Survey Link – WDV Membership Survey 2026
A word document version of the survey is included if you prefer to complete it offline and send it to our Program Support Officer at pso@wdv.org.au
Word Version - WDV Membership Survey 2026
This Survey will close on Tuesday, 07 April 2026. |
Are You a WDV Member? WDV members get access to: - Our exclusive events, consultations and workshops
- Get involved in our programs
- Opportunities to network in the community
Members can also contribute to WDV by representing women and gender diverse people with disabilities on Boards, Committees and forums. These opportunities are circulated to members who have an interest in a particular field, and there is also an opportunity to contribute to government submissions and representations to government.
If you identify as a woman or gender diverse person with a disability or chronic health condition and you would like to get involved, it only takes a minute to apply for our free membership by clicking the button below:
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If you are not sure if you are a member or not and would like to find out, or have any questions about membership, please contact us via email at membership@wdv.org.au.
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Important Disclaimer
With the rise of online scamming and fraudulent emails, it is becoming increasingly important to be wary of suspicious emails. We would like to remind you that WDV will not ask for financial donations via email.
In certain cases, scammers can send emails or text messages coming from a different email. For instance, a spam email which appears to be from the CEO asking for donations via email. Due to the fraudulent nature of scammers posing as someone else online, please note it is best to never give away any personal or financial information unless you have had a verbal conversation with one of our staff members.
If you receive these types of emails, please delete these from your inbox and do not click on any of the links.
If you have any questions, please contact wdv@wdv.org.au. |
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Are Your Contact Details Current?
If you have recently changed any of your contact details; address, phone number or email address, please let us know. Email wdv@wdv.org.au and we will update our records.
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Do You Have News, Comments, Questions or Feedback For Us? We love to hear from the WDV community. If you have something you think should be included in this newsletter, please contact WDV at wdv@wdv.org.au. |
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Copyright 2026 Women with Disabilities Victoria
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