Blind Citizens Australia’s National Women’s Branch is made up of a group of Australian women who are blind or vision impaired, whose mission is to improve the lives of women who are blind and vision impaired in Australia. Men have also supported our branch over the years, however most of our activities are more relevant to women and some are women only events. People of all genders are welcome to join the branch.
We seek to empower our members by:
- Providing positive peer support
- Conducting activities of interest to women
- Encouraging involvement of women in all levels of BCA
- Being a resource for women on vision impairment
- Facilitating communication between our members, and supporting member issues such as isolation, violence against women, making choices which enhance our lifestyle to create our desired quality of life.
Activities include:
- Encouraging women to participate fully in BCA Conventions and other events, as well as branch activities
- Workshops at BCA Conventions and forums on designated topics. Former topics have included: self defence, self confidence, relationships, body language, stress management, staying safe, advocating about our rights and women and violence.
Email Discussion Lists
Our branch conducts:
- A member-focused email discussion list, bca-womentalk, which provides members with a forum in which to discuss topics of interest, as well as providing support and advice. The committee uses “Women Talk” to float suggestions for branch projects and convention sessions and to gather feedback. Members of our branch can join the list by sending an email with their name and a request to join the list to nwb@bca.org.au
- A list for vision impaired grandparents to discuss grandparenting and offer friendship to people of grandparenting age on the list. For further information, please email nwb@dca.org.au
Branch Projects
Our branch takes on special projects from time to time and these have included:
- Conducting teleconferences to talk about issues of interest to women who are blind or vision impaired
- Supporting women who have experienced violence in their lives
- Communicating with women who live in regional and rural locations to offer support and friendship.
Diana Braun Aspiration Award
This award is presented to an Australian woman who is blind or vision impaired, who has made a significant contribution to her community and has demonstrated leadership and strength of character. Branch members nominate candidates for this award which is presented every two years and the branch committee selects the recipient.
“Aspirations” Magazine
Our magazine “Aspirations” is distributed twice a year and is a combined project between the National Women’s Branch committee and the general branch membership. It contains feature articles, recipes, book reviews and member profiles. Members are encouraged to contribute to this magazine.
“Aspirations” is produced in electronic and audio formats. To receive this magazine you must first become a member of BCA and request to join the NWB.
Branch Leadership
The National Women’s Branch is led by a committee of eight full members of BCA. It is elected biennially at the Branch’s AGM, which is often held in conjunction with the BCA National Convention. Ideally the committee has representatives across geographic and age ranges, regional and metropolitan areas, and from a variety of backgrounds, skill levels and life experience. The committee is a supportive working environment and is a springboard for launching many future leaders of BCA.
“Scales Away” Cookbook
“Scales Away” is a cookbook produced by the National Women’s Branch containing many recipes in cup and spoon measurements only, and information on specific topics of interest to cooks who are blind or vision impaired. Sections include: Winter Warmers, Off the Land, Out of the Water, International Influence, Sweet Treats, Special Diets, Junior Cooks, Savoury Snacks, pastries, Luscious Lunches, and much more.
This book is available on MP3 disc and thumb drive for $30, and electronic text emailed for $20. Please email nwb@bca.org.au for further details.
If you would like to purchase this book using PayPal you can do so on our membership page.
How to Join the National Women’s Branch
You must be a BCA member to join the National Women’s Branch. You can become a BCA member by signing up online or by phoning us on 1800 033 660.
If you would like to talk with somebody from our branch, please contact Janene via the details below.
Contact Information
Branch President: Katrina Taylor
Phone: 1800 033 660 and leave a message for Janene from the Women’s Branch to phone you back
Email: nwb@bca.org.au