Sarah Brisdion: Mother, Campaigner, Friend
International Women's Day (March 8) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women's equality.
To celebrate, Aergo Health caught up with some of the strong, resilient and talented women who have inspired us.
First up is Sarah Brisdion.
Sarah is mum to twins Hadley and Erica. She is also a writer, designer and self-confessed lover of dark chocolate, cheese and red wine.
Sarah’s son Hadley has Cerebral Palsy and is a full time wheelchair user. She campaigns tirelessly for his equality in a world that continues to discriminate against people with disabilities.
She is an avid Campaigner for accessible toilets (Changing Places), which has seen her take part in some eye-catching stunts over the years and has sent the Changing Places campaign viral!
Sarah is also passionate about products that really make a difference to the lives of people with disabilities, which led her (and Hadley) to Aergo Health!
This is what Sarah had to say about International Women’s Day…
Do you think it is important to celebrate International Women’s Day?
Absolutely.
Despite many huge movements that have fought for women's rights, there are still huge inequalities globally, from work pay through to abortion laws.
International Women's day is not only a chance to celebrate the achievements of women, but to shine a light on some of the atrocities that women still face in order to drive change.
Have you faced any barriers in your life / career / as a special needs parent due to being a woman? If so, how did you overcome them?
The thing I find most difficult is being penalised for being a working, caring, mum.
My son has a disability that affects every function in his life, and so as the primary care-giver, I need to be super-flexible in order to attend medical appointments and manage his care and have had to reduce my working hours.
So I work for myself (part-time) to enable that flexibility. I also then claim carers allowance for the care that I provide and to top up my earnings. Carer’s allowance is only £67.60 per week and restricts your work earnings to £128 per week.
The cost of living is rising considerably - with energy prices rocketing, for everyone, but not least for those who are disabled or have a disabled family member. All businesses are putting their prices up to reflect this. They have no choice. But I can't do that. I can't earn even £1 more than I already do, because I would lose my carer’s allowance.
Yet I will still only be working the same part time hours that I currently work and will still be providing the same amount of care for my child.
How is that fair? (This obviously would apply to a working, caring father too. But the number of women who are the primary carers for their disabled children is higher than the number of men who take on the role, so this affects women disproportionately).
Share an unpopular opinion...
Oooo. Interesting question. Not relevant, but I think tuna and cucumber sandwiches should be banned. Worst combination of foods and smells - EVER! Nobody ever agrees with me.
Can you name an inspirational female role model?
Probably a bit of an obvious one, but Emmeline Pankhurst is the first person I always think of when asked this.
As the leader of the Suffragette movement, she put her life on the line to fight for the right for women to vote in Britain.
As a campaigner (for Changing Places), whenever I get disheartened from knock backs or frustration, I always think - 'What would Emmeline do?’
She definitely wouldn't give up. She would just shout louder. Think smarter. Keep fighting for what is fundamentally right.
What's your best bit of advice to girls or young women?
Stand up for what is right. No matter how hard people fight against you.
Your opinion matters.
Your voice matters.
Don't let anyone tell you you are less because you are female. Always listen to your gut instinct.
Especially the one you have as a mum. It is always right.
What's the best thing about being a woman?
Being friends and sharing with other like-minded women.
My female friends have been an incredible support and an absolute gift to me as a parent - particularly as a parent of a disabled child.
Huge thanks to Sarah for taking time out of her busy schedule to join us for this #IWD celebration. Sarah is in the midst of organising a fantastic cricket fundraiser for a Wheelchair Adapted Vehicle to safely transport Hadley in his new powered wheelchair - you can find out more about it here.
