This year’s International Women’s Day theme from UN Women Australia—“March Forward: For ALL Women and Girls”—reminds us just how vital it is to champion everyone, including those who have long been overlooked. At Canopy SDA, we are dedicated to developing and managing Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) that foster independence, dignity, and community connection. We believe that everyone—especially those facing multiple disadvantages—deserves spaces that truly reflect their worth and potential.
In 2025, we also mark 30 years since the 1995 Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, when global inequality was formally recognised, and ambitious plans were created to address it. This milestone underscores how far we’ve come—and how essential it is to keep forging ahead with solutions that uplift people from all walks of life.
Our vision of equality recognises that discrimination can affect anyone. Nevertheless, we also acknowledge that women and girls, particularly those living with disabilities, often encounter unique, intersecting barriers: limited employment opportunities, higher rates of poverty, and heightened vulnerability to violence. Our team collectively shapes practices that seek to be inclusive of every individual’s experience, ensuring no one is left behind in the process of creating accessible, innovative housing solutions.
At Canopy SDA, we’ve witnessed how inclusive housing profoundly affects daily life. By exceeding National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) guidelines wherever possible and advocating for improvements when prevented, we focus on more than just physical structures—we strive to build communities where each person’s needs and identities are recognised and valued.
When we work to uplift individuals who face multiple forms of disadvantage, we elevate the well-being of our entire community
By collaborating with those of like mind, we strive to address these layered challenges comprehensively—through advocacy for smarter policy and personalised supports that help people thrive.
“March Forward: For ALL Women and Girls” underscores the power of uniting across society. Supporting women’s rights, acknowledging men’s experiences, and advocating for other marginalised communities are not competing goals but complementary pathways towards a fairer and more compassionate world.
Joining this broader movement means continually refining our workplace programs and community outreach. Whether through mentorship initiatives, championing diversity across our organisation, or involving those with lived experience of disability in decision-making, each action moves us closer to true inclusivity.
When we work to uplift individuals who face multiple forms of disadvantage, we elevate the well-being of our entire community. As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we remember that genuine progress arises when we collectively challenge entrenched biases, advocate for equitable policies, and redefine accessibility to encompass every facet of daily life.
It’s important to remember that a united front has transformative power—and whether you’re rolling, running, hopping, jumping, walking, crawling, or waddling, we hope you’ll join in the March Forward.
Related Articles
Finding Your Fit: Understand SDA Building Types and Funding Options
The Start of Something Great: A Partnership with Purpose
A New Dawn: The Kingfisher Apartments