Engage all organisations in advancing women’s issues

Director for the Pacific Foundation for the Advancement of Women (PACFAW) Ms. Susana Tuisawau said that engagement with organisations at national and regional level is important for the empowerment of women with disabilities.

Ms. Tuisawau a panelist on the second day of the 4th Regional Conference on Disability, said it was important for organisations to form partnerships and address issues that are interconnected through their networks.

“Women with disabilities can reach out to not only disability organisations but to women groups to combat violence and discrimination against them,” she said.

Ms. Tuisawau said keeping communication open with current partners is important for funding and acquiring resources.

She said some organisations are not equipped to cater for persons with disabilities and there is a need to form partnerships with these agencies.

“We can be proactive by looking for possible areas that can strengthen the gender network, such as providing sign language training to teachers or facilitating workshops for regional organisations,” she said.

Creating interest among other institutions in health, education and religious sectors increases visibility and, is a positive step towards a disability inclusive society.