Supporting women fleeing violence, advising Channel 4 on their inclusion strategy, playing a key part in designing the most accessible city in Europe, influencing policy, campaigning for changes in the law, recognised as one of the most influential disabled people in the UK… This Strong Manchester Woman lives and breathes equality and human rights and there’s not much she hasn’t done to create an equal, level playing field for everyone.

In this episode, your host Vic Elizabeth Turnbull speaks to Jackie Driver, who works full time in the field of equality and human rights and has been part of the leadership of the Equality and Human Rights Commission since it started. She’s currently at Manchester Health and Care Commissioning to design and lead their inclusion and social value strategy. Jackie also chairs and advises a number of not for profit organisations.

Jackie talks honestly about,

• getting people to look through a different lens when it comes to disability
• the impact of being taught in mainstream school as a deaf child
• taking advice from Will Smith 
• her journey from zero qualifications, to sculptor, carpenter and then activist, influencer and changemaker
• the myriad of ways to campaign effectively, with impact 
• campaign tactics
• how she became the Head of Propaganda 
• the power of self-belief, resilience and Zumba
  

I want to look back on my life and feel that I’ve done something I can be proud of. Making money doesn’t interest me, wealth doesn’t drive me. Love drives me, people drive me. “

Jackie Driver

More info about the things mentioned in the episode

• The organisation’s Jackie’s currently involved with are, Breakthrough UK, Sign Health, Result CIC and Manchester Health and Care Commissioning 

• Jackie’s previously worked at Disability Rights Commission,  Manchester Central Library and Manchester City Council
  
  
• Have some Will Smith’s wisdom here
  
  
• Watch Stella Young’s Ted Talk ‘I’m Not Your Inspiration’ here
  
  
• The inspiring female campaigners Jackie’s credits in this episode are Greta Thunberg, Zianna Oliphan, Emma González and Malala Yousafzai.

Next Episode
28th August 2019

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The podcast is inspired by the annual Strong Women campaign. The 14 women profiled in this series were selected for the 2019 campaign. For more information about the women visit The Pankhurst Trust’s website

Credits
Produced by us guys, aka MIC Media |@MICmediauk

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