Global Voice is the official podcast of the World Blind Union, bringing together diverse perspectives from blind and partially sighted people worldwide. This podcast consists of various standalone series that explore key topics such as accessibility, advocacy, inclusive policies, and innovations shaping the future. Through insightful conversations with experts, activists, and community leaders, WBU's Global Voice Podcast amplifies the experiences and leadership of those who are blind or partially sighted, fostering a more inclusive and equitable world.
In this episode of Voices In Leadership, Marc Workman, CEO of the World Blind Union, speaks with Tytti Matsinen, Regional President of the European Blind Union, based in Finland.
Tytti shares her journey into advocacy, including how her background in social ethics, international development, and human rights has shaped her approach to leadership. She reflects on her work across Europe and the evolving landscape for blind and partially sighted people, including the impact of funding pressures, shifting political priorities, and broader global developments on disability advocacy.
The conversation also explores the, including what it is, how it functions across European Union Member States, and the opportunities and challenges it presents for advancing accessibility. Tytti discusses the importance of effective implementation, building technical expertise, and ensuring that accessibility commitments translate into real-world impact.
We also look at the work of the European Blind Union more broadly, including the establishment of its office in Belgium and how this supports engagement with European institutions. Tytti shares insights from her role as co-lead of Impact Area 1 within WBU’s strategic plan, focusing on governance and inclusive leadership, including the role of committees such as Women, Youth, and Diversity and Inclusion in strengthening representation across the movement.
The episode concludes with reflections on the importance of inclusive leadership and the need to support and empower the next generation of advocates across Europe and beyond.
For more information, you can download the full interview from this link.