As Opportunity International Australia strengthens its commitment to supporting more women from marginalised communities globally, we are excited to announce the appointment of Fifi Rashando to the Executive Committee of the Australian Disability and Development Consortium (ADDC).

Fifi re-joined Opportunity in August 2024 as the GEDSI (Gender Equity Disability & Social Inclusion) and Safeguarding Manager and works closely with our Programs team and local partners to strengthen our work in financial inclusion and international development.

Fifi previously worked at Opportunity between 2001 and 2008, leading multidisciplinary teams in developing (post) disaster economic programs in Asia, focusing on job creation, and building entrepreneurial skills – particularly focused on financial inclusion of women.

The Australian Disability and Development Consortium (ADDC) is an Australian network focused on advancing disability equity in the majority world. Their work ensures that the voices and rights of people with disabilities are elevated and reflected in all Australian international development policies and programs.

^{Fifi Rashando (front row, left) with the Executive Committee of the ADDC in November 2024.}

Promoting equal opportunities and self-led development

“I am honoured to join the ADDC executive committee, representing Opportunity and sharing a commitment to combat exclusion and promote equal opportunities for people with disability,” says Fifi.

In international development, incorporating people with disabilities is vital for addressing intersectional vulnerabilities and promoting inclusive programming. As the largest minority group, 15% of the global population has disabilities.

"As someone who's navigated disability, gender and racial barriers, I am moved by David Bussau (Opportunity International Australia's founder), his orphan-to entrepreneur story and the boundless potential it represents. Inspired by David's resilient journey from adversity to success, I am dedicated to utilising my strengths to champion inclusive economic growth, equal opportunities to access finance, education, market, and technology, whilst assisting marginalised communities to realise their potential."

^{Anjeeta and Vinubhai, who both have mobility issues, started their business with a small loan.}

REACHING MORE PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES THROUGH FINANCIAL INCLUSION

It’s estimated that approximately 1.3 billion around the world are living with a disability – which is 1 in 7 people. With around 80% of these people with disabilities living in low and middle income countries, it’s key that inclusion is incorporated into all of Opportunity’s programs working with women and families overseas.

Through self-help groups in India, to strengthening our local partners’ capacity to provide small loans, health training and other programs to people with disabilities, disability is a key part of our work.

Microfinance has always helped people living with disabilities and can greatly benefit them – including women like Anjeeta – as self-employment can help those who experience difficulties finding traditional employment. Anjeeta and her husband Vinubhai, who both have mobility issues, run a small corner store with the help of small loan and enjoy the flexibility which comes with running their own business.

Opportunity also partners with Uplift Mutuals in India to improve access to healthcare for people with disability and other vulnerable groups through health finance and care navigation. The project takes a community-led approach, developing health savings accounts, health insurance products and emergency medical loans to prevent medical impoverishment and improve health outcomes on the outskirts of Mumbai city. Between March to June 2024, 200 people with disabilities have taken up affordable health insurance.

“This collaboration supports progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals including good health and well-being (SDG3), gender equality (SDG5), and reduced inequalities (SDG10),” says Fifi on the importance of embedding disability inclusion into our international development programs.