This International Women’s Day, we are proud to support the global theme of ‘Inspire Inclusion,’ a call to action that resonates deeply within our charity. It’s a day to reflect on the progress made, call for changes, and celebrate the acts of courage and determination by women who have played extraordinary roles in history and communities. In particular, we highlight the contributions and resilience of women with disabilities, who navigate a world that is often not designed for them.
In the spirit of this year’s theme, we share insights from three remarkable women at our charity, who embody the principles of empowerment and inclusivity in their daily work.
Clare Copleston, Operations Manager at The Disability Resource Centre, emphasises the importance of building an inclusive society:
“As a female operations manager for a leading disability charity, we are working hard to build an inclusive society that not only recognises the power and dignity of diversity but celebrates it wholeheartedly. Today we celebrate all women proudly.”
Clare’s message highlights our charity’s commitment to fostering an environment where diversity is accepted and celebrated.
Echoing Clare’s sentiments, Ellie O’Connor, Digital Marketing Assistant, shares her pride in working alongside incredible women:
“I am the proud Digital Marketing Assistant here at The Disability Resource Centre, and I am surrounded by so many incredible women in our charity, many of whom have disabilities of their own. Empowering women with disabilities to thrive in the workplace not only inspires inclusion, but also showcases the invaluable contributions of diverse perspectives. We will continue to champion the strength and resilience of every woman, regardless of ability, today and every day.”
Ellie’s words remind us of the critical role inclusion plays in empowering women, especially those with disabilities, to make significant contributions in the workplace and beyond.
Melanie Hawman, CEO, reflects on her previous experiences and struggles in the world of work as a woman with disabilities:
“Careers advice on leaving school in the late 70’s consisted of “So, if you are not getting married would you like to be a nurse or a typist?”
I chose the academic route and became the first female ever to work in a non-secretarial role on the docks board in the port of Southampton. I was a novelty and not protected by any legislation.
This experience gave me a strong education in being in a minority group and ways in which we can make the most of the attributes we have to carve a different future for ourselves and others.
Now, as CEO of The Disability Resource Centre, I am incredibly proud to drive our mission of creating an inclusive and accepting community for everyone.”
The Disability Resource Centre is committed to empowering women by providing resources, support, and opportunities to succeed. We understand that women with disabilities face unique challenges, and it is our mission to ensure that these challenges do not hinder their ability to contribute and thrive. Our initiatives aim to support women in overcoming barriers to employment, training, and social participation, fostering an environment where everyone has the opportunity to achieve their potential.
As we observe International Women’s Day, we are reminded of the importance of inclusion in creating a society that values and respects the contributions of all its members. It is a day to reaffirm our commitment to creating a world where women, particularly those with disabilities, are not sidelined but are recognised as integral to our society.
We invite you to join us in celebrating the achievements of women around the world and in our community. Let us all commit to ‘Inspire Inclusion’ by recognising the strength, resilience, and contributions of women with disabilities. Together, we can build a more inclusive, equitable world that celebrates diversity in all its forms.
Happy International Women’s Day. Let’s continue to inspire and champion inclusion for all.
