This poster shows a colourful photo of women in the Pacific wearing bright clothing. The poster shows the Pacific Disability Forum and CBM logos.
The poster reads:
Growing Stronger Together (GST) is a Pacific-designed and Pacific-led organisational strengthening program for Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) across Pacific Island Countries.
The program responds to long-standing inequities faced by OPDs by strengthening leadership, systems, and collective advocacy power.
Why organisational strengthening is needed
Since the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, OPDs are increasingly expected to:
- Engage governments and donors
- Lead programs and advocacy
- Provide expert guidance on disability inclusion
At the same time, many OPDs operate with limited resources, rely on volunteers, and are shaped by histories of discrimination and exclusion.
These challenges can limit whose voices are heard, including women with disabilities.
“Over the last few years, women with disabilities are more confident to participate and take part in activities they may not have attended before”
“Women with disabilities are being encouraged to participate – not only with OPDs but across communities at a national level”
-Pacific OPD Leaders
Why this matters for the Women’s Rights movement
Women with disabilities belong in the women’s rights movement
Stronger OPDs amplify the leadership of women with disabilities, challenge intersecting discrimination, and ensure gender equality agendas are inclusive, representative, and accountable.
When the disability movements are strengthened, feminist movements are also.
Our approach
GST takes a relationship-first, responsive approach, shaped by what OPD leaders identify as their priorities.
GST supports OPDs through:
Training, coaching and mentoring
Strengthening:
- Leadership and governance
- Strategy, systems, and practices
- Partnerships, advocacy, and influence
The program is delivered to Pacific OPDs by the Pacific umbrella OPD, the Pacific Disability Forum (PDF), together with CBM Australia.