I was pleased to celebrate International Day of People with Disability on 3 December by participating in a panel discussion for staff at the Department of Justice. At the start of the session, as part of defining key terms, I was asked to explain the difference between equality and equity. Put simply, equality is treating everyone the same, whereas equity is about treatment that results in equality of outcomes, sometimes called substantive equality.
The discussion went on to explore the theme for this year’s International Day of People with Disability - ‘Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future’. This theme encapsulates the critical importance of valuing the ideas presented by people with disability as the best way to develop viable solutions that meet needs and aspirations and create an inclusive society.
Questions posed during the discussion showed a strong commitment to supporting colleagues with a disability in the workplace. One of the questions was the perfect springboard to share a truth I’m passionate about - initial recruitment is the biggest hurdle for people with disability, who once on board, soon prove themselves valuable members of the team. For this reason, equity in the recruitment process is imperative.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on 10 December 1948, states: ‘Everyone has the right to work, to free choice of employment, to just and favourable conditions of work and to protections from unemployment’ (Article 23).
In a sense the International Day of People with Disability flows from Human Rights Day, which commemorates the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
It is natural that strong connections exist between many United Nations days as they aim to raise awareness and promote the ideals of that global body. Like the International Day of People with Disability, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women can be seen as flowing from Human Rights Day. The 16 Days in WA – Stop Violence Against Women campaign makes this link as it runs each year from the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on 25 November to Human Rights Day.
It’s been my privilege to attend several events arranged to further knowledge, understanding, support and change as part of 16 Day in WA. The theme for this year’s 16 Days in WA campaign is ‘Stopping Family and Domestic Violence: Play your part’. If you have not already done so, I encourage you to explore 16 Days in WA campaign resources available online, including the Department of Communities YouTube clip featuring a range of community leaders speaking about how we can all play our part in stopping family and domestic violence.
