Women with Disabilities Australia (WWDA)
WWDA Youth Network Position Statement 3 Participation

WWDA Youth Believe
We all have the right to equal participation in political, economic, social and cultural life.
Participation requires access to information that is accurate and accessible.
Meaningful participation requires freedom from all forms of violence.
Meaningful participation requires Gender and disability equality.

The Facts
Women and girls with disability are often denied the right to participate and make choices about their lives.
Women and girls with disability living in institutional and group home are often denied information, education and support to participate equally.
Abuse, bullying and discrimination can stop young women and girls with disability from participating.
Women and girls with disability are leading the global push for their human rights to be acknowledged and respected.
Participation is a human right!

What It Means
Participation
Having the opportunity to be involved in events and activities in your school and in your community, that are of interest to you. Participation can also mean being involved in decision-making and having the opportunity to share your ideas and be listened to.
Human Rights
Rights to freedom, dignity and fairness that all people have, no matter their race, ethnicity, nationality, age, sex, gender, sexuality, disability or political beliefs. Human rights are protected by international law.
Equality
Having access to the same rights and opportunities as everyone else, along with the support to act on those rights and opportunities.
Discrimination
Being treated unfairly or differently because of who you are, where you live, what you believe, or because you have a disability.
Learn More
Human Rights and Participation
Human rights are protected under international law. These rights are described in documents called conventions or treaties. Countries such as Australia can agree to be bound by these laws.
Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC)
The CRC describes and protects the human rights of children and young people. Check out the “For Youth” page to learn more about your rights: 
www.unicef.org/rightsite/433.htm 
Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD)
The CRPD describes and protects the rights of all people with disability. You can find an easy to understand version of the convention at:
www.unicef.org/publications/index_43893.html 

Australian Human Rights Commission
The Commission has put together some great ideas about how to get involved in human rights and make a difference. Visit:
www.humanrights.gov.au/education/students/get-involved-students 
Women with Disabilities Australia (WWDA) Human Rights Toolkit
WWDA has created a toolkit for women and girls with disability to learn about their human rights and demand their rights.
www.wwda.org.au/papers/toolkit 

Help & Support
In an Emergency
If you or another person is in immediate danger, Call 000 (Triple Zero)
eheadspace
The eheadspace online and telephone service supports young people and their families going through a tough time. Visit: https://www.eheadspace.org.au/ 
Kids Helpline
If you need to talk about anything, you can call, email, or have an online chat with Kids Helpline. Visit www.kidshelpline.com.au or call 1800 55 1800
1800 RESPECT
Support if you have or are currently experiencing sexual, domestic or family violence. Visit www.1800respect.org.au or call 1800 737 732
Disability Advocacy Services
A disability advocate can help you to access support around your human rights. To find an advocate near you, visit: http://finder.dss.gov.au/disability/ndap/ 
Get Involved
United Nations Youth Association Australia (UNYA)
UN Youth Australia is a national youth-led organisation that aims to educate and empower young Australians on global issues. Visit: www.unyouth.org.au 
Women with Disabilities Australia (WWDA)
WWDA represents more than 2 million disabled women and girls in Australia. We are run by and for women with disabilities. We operate as a transnational human rights and systemic advocacy organisation. www.wwda.org.au
WWDA Youth Network
WWDA Youth Network aims to empower young women and girls with disabilities to become strong, confident, proud and educated on their rights and options. Follow us and get involved at:
Web		http://youth.wwda.org.au 
 Facebook	http://www.facebook.com/WWDAYouth 
Twitter		http://www.twitter.com/WWDA_Youth
YouTube		http://goo.gl/BqDQ47 
Instagram	http://www.instagram.com/WWDA_Youth 

Publishing Information
WWDA Youth Network, Position Statement 3: Participation, Women With Disabilities Australia (WWDA): Hobart, Tasmania, 1st Edition, June 2017. 
ISBN: 978-0-9775305-8-8
The development of this position statement was made possible through project funding from the Australian Government, Office for Women. WWDA thanks the women and girls with disability who contributed to the development of this statement. 
Prepared by Cashelle Dunn and Chris Brophy.
For further information, please access the full Human Rights Toolkit and comprehensive WWDA Position Statements available at, http://www.wwda.org.au/papers/toolkit 
© Women with Disabilities Australia (WWDA) 2017.