Graduates’ confidence lifted by special course

THERE were tears, hugs and smiles all round last Friday when a diverse group of 13 women from rural communities across the North East graduated from the Enabling Women program.

The program was held over five days between April and May as a partnership between Women’s Health Goulburn North East and Women with Disabilities Victoria and paired regional women with disabilities in their leadership journey with a range of experienced mentors.

The graduation at the Wangaratta Regional Study Centre was a celebration for participants such as Wangaratta’s Prudence Burgess.

Ms Burgess said the course helped give her more confidence to speak out for and advocate for equal rights and access for all people, particularly people living with a disability. PROUD: Prudence Burgess was one of the graduates from the North East Victorian Enabling Women program. PHOTO: Kylie Wilson

“We have the same rights as everybody else,” she said.

Women’s Health Goulburn North East health promotion worker Bernadette Fraser said that “I think it was inspirational to hear from such strong women and see their confidence and skills”.

“In many, many ways, we’ve all gained so much.”