I had the absolute privilege of attending the Women Deliver 2023 Conference in Kigali, Rwanda and I can say without hesitation it was the most inspiring experience of my professional and personal life.
For an entire week, I was immersed in a vibrant global community of passionate advocates for gender equality. We came from nearly every corner of the world, representing diverse cultures, backgrounds and lived experiences, all united by a shared commitment to advancing the rights of women and girls.
The conversations were powerful and urgent covering everything from sexual health and reproductive rights to climate justice, youth leadership and intersectional feminism. But what made the experience truly unforgettable was the atmosphere. It wasn’t just serious and important, it was also filled with joy, celebration and connection.
From the electrifying opening and closing ceremonies to the unforgettable cultural night filled with dancing, singing and laughter, the energy was contagious. It was a space where activism met joy, where strategy met solidarity and where lifelong friendships were formed.
Connecting with people from all walks of life that included grassroots organisers, youth leaders, policymakers and artists reminded me of the strength and beauty of global feminist movements. Kigali didn’t just host a conference it hosted a celebration of resilience, creativity and hope.
In April 2026, it will be Melbourne’s turn to host one of the most significant global gatherings for gender equality: the Women Deliver 2026 Conference (WD2026). This isn’t just another international event, it’s a historic first. For the first time, Women Deliver will be regionally hosted in the Oceanic Pacific, marking a powerful shift in global feminist discourse and leadership.
Held from 27–30 April 2026 on the unceded lands of the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation, WD2026 will bring together over 6,500 advocates, policymakers, youth leaders, and grassroots organisers from 170+ countries. The choice of Narrm (Melbourne) is deeply symbolic. It signals a commitment to decolonization, Indigenous leadership and intersectional feminist values.
At a time when gender equality is under siege globally from anti-rights movements to regressive policies, more than ever we need a sense of hope and optimism and WD2026 offers a space for resistance, reimagination and radical solidarity. It’s not just a conference it’s a rallying point for feminist action. The event will centre the leadership, knowledge and lived experiences of feminists and First Nations leaders across the Oceanic Pacific, including Australia, Aotearoa (New Zealand), and Micronesia.
The theme of WD2026 is clear: Protest, Strategize, and Rebuild. The conference will explore feminist approaches to health, climate change, economic justice, education and sexual and reproductive rights, all through an intersectional lens. This means centering the voices of those most impacted by systemic oppression: adolescent girls, LGBTQIA+ youth, First Nations people, persons with disabilities and displaced communities.
The four-day program will be rich and diverse, featuring main plenaries with high-level speakers and thought leaders, pre-conferences focused on regional and thematic issues, workshops and networking sessions, a Youth Zone for intergenerational dialogue and a vibrant Culture Night celebrating the heritage of the Oceanic Pacific region. This isn’t just about policy it’s about joy, strategy and collective resistance. It’s about building a future where gender equality is not just a goal, but a lived reality.
Hosting Women Deliver in Melbourne is more than a logistical choice, it’s a political and cultural statement. It acknowledges the leadership of the Oceanic Pacific in global feminist movements and offers a platform for voices that have historically been marginalised. It’s a chance to reshape narratives, forge transnational alliances and drive feminist action for the next decade. For Australia, Melbourne and for the region, WD2026 is a moment to lead not just in hosting, but in visioning a more just, inclusive, and equitable world needed now more than ever.
Registration for WD2026 is now open, and early sign-up is encouraged due to high demand. Scholarships are available for youth under 30 from the Oceanic Pacific region, with priority given to First Nations, LGBTQIA+ youth, persons with disabilities, and displaced persons.
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