"Education plays a crucial role in the lives of women with disabilities, both within our homes and communities."
These powerful words were shared by Shivangi Rao, Centre Manager at the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD) in the Northern Division, during the International Women’s Day celebration at the NCPD Centre.

On March 7th, 2025, the Empower Pacific Labasa branch proudly facilitated this special event at the NCPD North Facility. This year’s celebration held particular significance as it focused on women living with disabilities – a group often overlooked during such important occasions.

Under the theme 'Accelerate Action,' the event highlighted the need for inclusive practices to ensure that women with disabilities not only have equal access but also achieve equitable outcomes. It emphasized the value of recognizing their unique strengths and contributions.

The celebration featured inspiring talks from three resilient women from NCPD, who shared their personal journeys of empowerment.

Angeline Bradburg, a staff member at the NCPD Northern Centre, passionately declared, "Today, I can proudly say that anything an abled person can do, I can do too – and I can do it even better."

Angeline, who is happily married with a 16-year-old son, expressed her gratitude for her family’s unwavering support throughout her life.

“My husband is an able-bodied person, and despite my disability, he loves me unconditionally. I am fortunate to have a family that loves and supports me. I've faced a lot of challenges, including discrimination and people questioning my disability,” she shared boldly.

**Angeline Bradburg, staff member at NCPD Labasa centre.**

Divya Swami, a 26-year-old NCPD staff member, also shared her story. “Every day, we face many challenges. My goal is to continue my education, as I wasn’t given the opportunity to attend a regular school,” she explained.

Swami, who graduated with a Certificate in Office Administration in 2003, encouraged other women with disabilities to keep pursuing their dreams, saying, “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.”

**Divya Swami, staff member at NCPD Labasa centre.**

Monisha Rao, who has over 12 years of experience at the NCPD Centre, also shared her inspiring journey.

“I’m married with three beautiful children, who have been my rock throughout my struggles with disability. I am grateful for their constant support,” she said.

Recently, Rao graduated with a Diploma in Leadership Management from the Fiji National University, where she was awarded Top Student for the Year 2024. She credited her success to the unwavering support of her family. “I’ve had a strong support system all these years. Despite my disability, my family has always been there for me,” she added.

**Monisha Rao, staff member at NCPD Labasa centre.**

The celebration was a powerful reminder of the strength, resilience, and potential of women living with disabilities, and the importance of fostering a more inclusive and equitable world.

Incorporating Women Living with Disability into Women’s Day celebration.