Fair and inclusive leadership: today and always

We’ve long defined Australia as the land of the ‘fair go’ – a place of mutual respect and equal opportunity, regardless of difference or circumstance.

But consider these numbers:

• Only 53 per cent of Australians with disability are employed, compared with 84 per cent of their peers without disability; and
• 35 per cent of people aged 20 years and older with no disability have a bachelor’s degree or higher – while that number is halved (17 per cent) for people with disability.

These statistics – discussed in this research article – are stark, and they underscore just some of the many factors impacting the representation of people with disability in the leadership ranks of our nation.

It begs the question, how inclusive is Australia really?

The importance of diverse leadership

Diversity of leadership is addressed in Australia’s Disability Strategy 2021-2031, the Federal Government’s framework to improve the lives of people in the disability community.

More leaders with disability can help to make the world a fairer place, creating a positive frame of reference for peers aspiring to enhance their skills, broaden their employment opportunities, and develop their careers.

Diversifying Australia’s leadership ranks and including quality candidates with disability exemplifies the ‘fair go’ that’s ingrained in our social fabric and strengthens the foundation upon which our community is built. It also paints a truer picture of the depth and breadth of global demographics.

Put simply, it’s important for people with disability to be leaders and represented at all levels and across all industries – and it adds value to all of us.

International Day of People with Disability

Leadership is the focus of the 2024 International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD), celebrated on 3 December.

The theme – Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future – invites us all to step up to the plate.

So, what practical steps can you or your organisation take to ensure people with disability have every opportunity to embrace and explore their leadership potential? Here are a four thought-starters.

#1. First up, we love this short film from the Australian Disability Network. It uses the comedic talents of Madeleine Stewart and Sam Wade to upskill people and businesses by providing lots of laughs and some great practical tools for the creation of inclusive workplaces.

It’s well worth watching and great for sharing with your colleagues and others in your social and professional networks to get them thinking about inclusivity.

#2. Women With Disabilities Australia (WWDA) has released a leadership and mentoring toolkit, which the organisation’s CEO, Sophie Cusworth, says has the potential to transform opportunities for those who use it.

“For too long, our community has been excluded from opportunities to lead and participate, in all areas of life,” she says. “We want to see a world that values the leadership of women and gender diverse people with disabilities, and challenges harmful and false narratives about who can and can’t be a leader.”

“This toolkit is designed by and for our community, to equip women and gender diverse people with disabilities with the skills and confidence to lead, participate, and influence. We want to see a future where our voices are heard, valued, and leading the way.”

You can find an Auslan-interpreted version of the Toolkit on YouTube and access Easy Read PDFs in a variety of languages here.

#3. Interested in a directory of disability-led businesses, as well as resources and training to help people to become more confident leaders? The Disability Leadership Institute has got you covered. Click here to find out more.

For organisations looking to recruit high-potential disability leaders as board members, executives and managers, or identify quality public speakers and media spokespeople, the Institute keeps a national register of disability leaders and it can help you to make connections too.

#4. Feeling inspired? Why not dip into the stories of this year’s IDPwD ambassadors. From DJ and music producer, Cooper Smith, to award-winning intuitive speaker, thought leader and human-rights activist, Khadija Gbla, the 2024 ambassadors are certainly a varied and talented group.