Towards Women Deliver

Women Deliver (WD) is one of the world’s largest global gatherings focused on gender equality and the rights and wellbeing of women and girls. Hosting WD2026 in the Oceanic Pacific region for the first time – in Melbourne from April 27-20 – places Australia at the centre of global conversations at a time when gender equality gains are under pressure and the need for coordinated action is growing. 

Among global leaders urging funders to embrace the opportunities that exist around this gathering is the Hon Julia Gillard AC, who recently joined a Women Deliver briefing hosted by Australians Investing In Women (AIIW). 

“The world is coming to Australia in Women Deliver and that gives philanthropy generally, but particularly Australian philanthropy, a unique opportunity to forge new connections and get new ideas,” Ms Gillard told the attendees.

“I am hoping through the new knowledge, new connections and new agendas for action, we can also get a new approach by Australian philanthropy to invest in big and better in women and girls and gender equality.” 

Participants at the briefing described a global environment where the challenges facing women and girls are intensifying, shaped by climate impacts, conflict, political instability and economic disruption. 

Other global and local leaders urged for collaborative big bets that match the scale of both the opportunity and the pushback, including Dr Maliha Khan, Women Deliver President and CEO; Virginia Haussegger AM, President of The Australian Council for International Development (ACFID); Virisila Buadromo, Co-Lead of the Urgent Action Fund; Cathy Scalzo, Chair of AIIW Chair, Ian Bird, CEO of Community Foundations Australia; and Jo Kirk, Co-Founder of Red Rocketship Foundation. 

Ian Bird, Former CEO of Community Foundation Australia said intentionally involving men and allies is an important component of any discussion around gender. 

“This work aligns strongly with Align for Action, which encourages cross movement collaboration, and supports Disrupt the Now by challenging harmful narratives with constructive, inclusive approaches,” said Ian. 

“Funding initiatives that engage men in gender equality in thoughtful and accountable ways can strengthen the broader movement.” 

Plan your involvement in Women Deliver 2026 

WD2026 is structured around four pathways that provide a practical structure for funders planning their engagement before, during and after the gathering. 

1. Disrupt the Now focuses on confronting systemic injustices and the anti-rights backlash many speakers referenced.  

2. Build the Vision encourages bold alternatives and imaginative solutions.  

3. Align for Action emphasises alliances across movements and sectors.  

4. Sustain the Movement focuses on long term momentum, resourcing and shared accountability.  

For funders still becoming familiar with Women Deliver, the recording of the AIIW briefing remains a valuable introduction. Access the recording here.

For more information or to discuss involvement in Women Deliver, funders are invited to contact Catherine Noble at Australians Investing in Women. 

View the Women Deliver website.