International Women’s Day 2021 – Maree McCabe
This year for International Women's Day we asked women from our organisation some questions about their work in the dementia space and why the day is important to them.
Maree McCabe is the Chief Executive Officer of Dementia Australia, and a recognised leader in the health and aged care sector.
She led the successful unification of Alzheimer’s Australia, now known as Dementia Australia, and brings extensive experience across the health, mental health and aged care sectors to her current role. We asked Maree:
What have been your personal highlights throughout your many years of dementia advocacy work?
“It truly is an honour and a privilege to meet and work with people impacted by dementia. It is inspiring to hear their stories and I am in awe of their courage and generosity. Every person who lives with dementia has a unique story and I am constantly honoured that people share their lives with us.
“This inspires me daily and is the reason why I, and so many people at Dementia Australia, are committed to providing support for people living with dementia. Our commitment happens at many levels from providing services, supporting advocates to share their stories in the community, sharing our expertise with communities so they can make their towns more dementia-friendly, building technology to educate and transform the capability of aged care workers, and so much more.”
What is your advice to other women looking to make a difference in this field?
“Do it! It is an area of huge opportunity to make a difference and one where innovation and leadership is needed.
“From women working in research or providing care, there is huge scope to make changes that will improve the lives of people living with dementia and to make a profound and lasting impact to the lives of all people impacted by dementia.”
Why is International Women’s Day important to you?
“It is an opportunity to acknowledge and thank the extraordinary women who are the loved ones, the carers (both informal carers and health professionals), and the partners of people living with dementia. All these women play an extraordinary role in providing health and social care in their home, in hospital and in aged care homes. Thank you for all that you do.”
To read our other International Women's Day profiles click below:
Ita Buttrose AC OBE - Dementia Australia Ambassador
Professor Amy Brodtmann - Dementia Australia Honorary Medical Advisor