Dr Claire Azzopardi Lane (left)
Dr Claire Azzopardi Lane is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Malta’s Department of Gender and Sexualities and former Deputy Dean of the Faculty for Social Wellbeing. Her academic work lies at the intersection of sexuality, disability, gender, and reproductive justice, adopting feminist, intersectional, and rights-based frameworks. She has led and collaborated on several national and international research projects addressing sexual and reproductive health, disability rights, inclusive education, and social wellbeing. Dr Azzopardi Lane has published in international peer-reviewed journals, contributing to debates on sexuality and disability, inclusive policy, and gender equality. She is a regular speaker at international conferences and is an active member of European research networks, including COST Actions on Sexual Medicine and Cancer Prevention in Intellectual Disabilities. In recognition of her scholarly and social impact, she received Malta’s 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award for her longstanding contribution to the disability and social inclusion sector.
Amy Camilleri Zahra is (right)
Amy Camilleri Zahra is an academic, disability rights advocate, public speaker, and mother, whose work has significantly shaped the landscape of disability rights in Malta and beyond. Amy holds a PhD in Psychology and serves as a lecturer at the University of Malta’s Department of Disability Studies, where she is committed to educating future professionals and advancing understanding of disability as a social and human rights issue.
Her research interests lie at the intersection of gender and disability, particularly focusing on the social representations of disabled women and the implementation of effective disability policy. Through her academic work, Amy continuously challenges stereotypes and advocates for systemic change, emphasising inclusion, empowerment, and equal access for all. Amy is also a highly experienced Disability Equality Trainer and has worked with various organisations to promote inclusive practices and shift cultural perceptions around disability.
Amy is the co-founder of Amputees4Amputees, an organisation dedicated to supporting amputees and championing access to essential healthcare and rehabilitation services. Through this initiative, she played an instrumental role in reforming long-standing services available to amputees in Malta, ensuring that individuals receive the dignity, resources, and support they deserve.
Her passion for advocacy has earned her national and international recognition. She has been honoured with numerous awards, including the Junior Chamber International Award for Personal Achievement (2006), the Żagħżugħa tas-Sena Award by Kerygma (2008), the U.S. Ambassador’s Women of Courage Award (2016), and the Junior Chamber International Award (2016) for her relentless efforts in promoting disability rights. Amy is also a proud member of the Transatlantic Inclusion Leaders Network, reflecting her commitment to international dialogue and leadership in inclusion.
As a motivational speaker, Amy shares her personal journey of resilience, strength, and transformation. She has delivered talks to private companies, schools, and community groups, inspiring audiences through her lived experience and her vision of a society where every individual is valued and included.
(Photo Credit: Therese Debono)
