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Mar 28, 20233 min read
Happy International Women's Day!
TAMARA ANGELINE MEDFORD-WILLIAMS
Director of Black Community Initiatives | Directrice des Initiatives de la communauté Noire
DAWN Canada
As a community enthusiast deeply committed to fostering change and empowerment, my journey has been shaped by a steadfast dedication to challenging systemic barriers that disproportionately affect marginalized communities, especially black women, girls, and gender-diverse individuals with disabilities. In my role as Director of Black Community Initiatives at the Disabled Women's Network of Canada, alongside my other professional endeavours, I've strived to address critical issues such as poverty, isolation, discrimination, and violence, all while advocating for inclusion and equality.
My work gains particular relevance during Black History Month and International Women's Day. These observances are not just times for reflection but for action. One of my key initiatives has been organizing the panel "Empowered Perspectives: Black Women+ Leading Intersectional Change." This event was a cornerstone in my efforts to bridge the gap between discussion and tangible change, bringing together voices from activism, feminist, disability, and community sectors to explore intersectionality in practice. The goal was to challenge systemic barriers, advocate for genuine inclusion over tokenism, and ultimately foster a discourse that leads to policy and behavioural changes that respect the complexity of individual experiences.
Beyond hosting panels and discussions, my activities are about translating theory into practice. By focusing on inclusive policy development, cultural competence, leadership representation, and advocacy techniques, I aim to create environments where women and girls are not just participants but leaders and changemakers. The drafting of a policy document post-panel exemplifies my commitment to ensuring that insights gained from such experiences and initiatives are transformed into actionable strategies benefiting communities and organizations alike.
If I were to share a message about women and girl empowerment, it would be this: Empowerment extends beyond merely providing opportunities. It's about dismantling the systemic barriers that hinder women and girls from accessing these opportunities. It's about acknowledging the intersectionality of our experiences and ensuring that empowerment initiatives are inclusive, responsive, and respectful of our diverse backgrounds. This approach is not solely about equality; it's about enriching our communities with the diverse talents, perspectives, and leadership of all its members.
This message is crucial because my work underscores that empowerment, when intertwined with intersectionality, is not just beneficial but essential for societal progress. Through education, advocacy, and policy development, I've witnessed firsthand that addressing the specific challenges faced by marginalized groups not only fosters a more inclusive society but also unleashes a wealth of potential that can drive us forward.
If you’d like to connect with Tamara:
Tamara Angeline Medford-Williams (she/her/elle)
Director of Black Community Initiatives|| Directrice des Initiatives de la communauté Noire
DisAbled Women’s Network of Canada || Réseau d’Action des Femmes Handicapées du Canada
469, rue Jean Talon O. Suite 215, Montréal, QC H3N 1R4
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