Disability Matters Committee to discuss self-advocacy and women with disabilities with Disabled Women Ireland and Inclusion Ireland

The following representatives are due to appear.

• Eliona Gjecaj - Disability activist and researcher  
• Amy Hassett - Co-director - Disabled Women Ireland       
• Nem Kearns - Co-director - Disabled Women Ireland        
• Sarah McNabb - Steering Group Member/Campaigns Lead - Disabled Women Ireland              
• Derval McDonagh - Chief Executive Officer - Inclusion Ireland      
• Una Coates - Spokesperson & Chairperson of Inclusion Ireland’s Self Advocacy Committee - Inclusion Ireland

Speaking ahead of the meeting Committee Cathaoirleach Deputy Michael Moynihan said: “It is fitting that we meet to discuss the topic of self-advocacy and women with disabilities as we marked International Women’s Day on Wednesday.”

“Self-advocacy is a broad term, encompassing individuals and Disabled Persons Organisation (DPO) advocating for the rights of the disabled community, or the personal advocacy needed to secure individual supports and access.”

“The United Nations Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) says that all persons with all types of disabilities must enjoy all human rights and fundamental freedoms. It is important to note that any woman or person with a disability who wishes to engage in self-advocacy is empowered to do so, but is it equally important that this is a choice not an obligation.”

“The UNCRPD requires change, from viewing people with disabilities as receivers of charity, medical treatment, and social protection to viewing people with disabilities as people with rights who are capable to making decisions for their lives based on their free and informed consent.”

Watch the meeting live here or on the Oireachtas smartphone app for Apple and Android.