Join Our Online Discussion on “People with Disability Leading and Influencing”

Discover the transformative power of leadership by people with disability at our online event, “People with Disability Leading and Influencing”, on Tuesday, 18 June from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm (Australian Eastern Standard Time) or 11:00 am to 1:00 pm WIB. This Zoom discussion will explore how people with disability understand and exercise leadership and the ways they influence change in their communities and countries.

Co-hosted by Women Leading and Influencing (WLI), Australia Awards Africa, and Australia Awards in Indonesia, this event promises an enriching panel discussion, a dynamic live audience Q&A, and interactive group break-out sessions. We are excited to feature disability leaders from Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific who will share their inspiring stories and perspectives.

Meet Our Speakers:

• Ipul Powaseu (Papua New Guinea): A disability rights and inclusion advocate for nearly two decades, Ipul is the Senior Program Manager (Disability Inclusion) at PNG Women Lead. She played a crucial role in PNG’s ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2013 and in developing a draft Disability Bill.
• Emilline Law Kwang (Mauritius): An Australia Awards alumna and disability rights advocate, Emilline is the Management Support Officer at the Public Sector Business Transformation Bureau. In 2023, she led a campaign to raise awareness about inclusive policies and accessible infrastructure, resulting in a series of recommendations.
• Dr Dante Rigmalia (Indonesia): Chair of the Indonesian Disability Commission and an Australia Awards alumna, Dante is a passionate advocate for the rights of children with disabilities to quality education. She ensures that both government and non-government institutions at national and regional levels respect and fulfil the rights of people with disabilities.
• Dr Mercy Masta (Facilitator): WLI’s GEDSI and Safeguards Specialist, Dr Mercy leads the program’s work on gender, disability, and social inclusion. She is also a Learning and Research Associate with Conciliation Resources Australia, a peace-building organisation that works in the Pacific and Southeast Asia.

Drawing on research on disability leadership in Indonesia, this discussion will unpack the leadership journeys of Ipul, Emilline, and Dante to explore what motivated them to lead, how their identity as people with disabilities has shaped their leadership, and how they are influencing change in their communities, workplaces, and nations.

The event will be conducted in English, with English captioning provided. Please inform us of any accessibility requirements by 7 June. Registrations are essential and can be completed through this link.

Don't miss this opportunity to engage in a meaningful dialogue showcasing the leadership and influence of people with disability. We eagerly anticipate your participation!