Whether as chief executive officer for Wide Bay Advocacy, Bundaberg Street Law’s director and principal practising solicitor or an active member of the Zonta Club of Bundaberg, being vocal about women’s education and safety aligns with Jo Leveritt’s professional expertise and personal values.
Jo said with her legal background and postgraduate qualifications in Domestic and Family Violence Practice, when she speaks up in the community about these issues, she aims to do so, so that the next generation of women understands both their potential and their rights.
“During my career, I have witnessed how domestic and family violence creates ripple effects throughout entire communities,” she said.
“Women who live in fear cannot fully participate in society, and children who witness violence carry trauma into adulthood.
“These realities affect our most vulnerable community members disproportionately.
“Speaking up about human rights and domestic and family violence can break cycles of violence and create safe pathways.
“Education and awareness enable us to identify early warning signs, understand boundaries and build support systems before crises occur.”
With International Women’s Day on 8 March and Queensland Women’s Week from 2 to 9 March, there is the opportunity to look at the significant role that women like Jo play in their communities.
“My perspective as a woman informs how I approach legal advocacy.
“Women navigate experiences daily that may not be immediately visible to others, and I bring this lived experience to my work.
“I understand how systems that appear neutral can create disproportionate barriers for women.
“I’ve learned through years of practice that pursuing justice for an individual is often a long, arduous process.
“Our legal systems weren’t designed with accessibility in mind, particularly for those who are already vulnerable or traumatised.
“A woman seeking safety from domestic violence might need to navigate multiple courts, agencies and processes simultaneously—each with different forms, timelines and requirements.
“What looks straightforward on paper becomes overwhelming in practice, especially for someone already in crisis.
“For example, when I represent a woman navigating the intersection of domestic violence and child protection matters, I know we’re embarking on a journey that might take months or even years.
“The bureaucratic inertia we face can be staggering—delays, adjournments and administrative hurdles that extend timeframes far beyond what most people can emotionally sustain.”
Jo also highlighted that she would like to think she brings patience and persistence when facing institutional resistance.
“I always focus on preserving my clients agency and centring their voices and choices throughout their legal journey.
“I strive to ensure they remain the authors of their stories even as we navigate systems that often seek to silence them.
“The themes for International Women’s Day and Queensland Women’s Week emphasise that there is no single way to be a woman or advocate for gender equality.
“Every woman has unique strengths, perspectives, and contributions to make, and I strongly encourage women to recognise the value they bring to any table they choose to sit at.
“When women are excluded from decision-making spaces, whether in boardrooms, courtrooms or legislative chambers, those decisions inevitably fail to account for women’s lived experiences.”
Jo continues to be inspired in her work when seeing women support other women across different spheres.
“When a lawyer mentors a young woman interested in advocacy, when a business owner creates flexible working conditions for mothers, or when community members rally around a woman escaping violence, these actions create an ecosystem of support that is crucial for helping all women thrive.
“It’s this collective effort that is key to advocating for women’s rights and gender equality.
“What drives me in this work is understanding the profound importance of access to justice for women.
“Access to justice is literally life-changing and sometimes life-saving.
“When a woman can obtain a properly enforced domestic violence order, secure fair financial settlements after a relationship breakdown, or address discrimination, she gains not just legal remedies but economic security, physical safety, and the utility of agency.”
Seeing that many women need more than legal information, support navigating
complex systems that weren’t designed with their needs in mind, Jo is launching a new initiative, the Steps Forward: Child Safety Advocacy Program.
This program addresses a further critical gap we have identified – providing specialised legal advocacy for women experiencing domestic violence who are also navigating the child protection system. This intersection is particularly challenging, as women trying to protect themselves and their children from violence often face additional scrutiny from child protection services.
The Steps Forward program will provide women with comprehensive support, including process mapping of the child protection system, evidence-gathering guidance and practical advocacy skills.
These specialised clinics, set to launch in mid-2025, represent our commitment to creating more accessible pathways to justice for women navigating complex legal systems during some of their most vulnerable moments.
“The March Forward theme for Queensland Women’s Week and International Women’s Day 2025 inspires great optimism.
“Our region has a remarkable group of strong female leaders—exceptional role models who exemplify resilience, compassion, and strategic thinking every day.
“Women are at the forefront in government, healthcare, education, business, and community services, providing valuable perspectives that enhance decision-making and apply inclusive practice and policy.
“For these reasons, I firmly believe the future is bright.
“The next generation of women is observing these leaders, learning the importance of their voices and contributions.”
