Women Deliver 2026 Conference: A Groundbreaking Event in Narrm (Melbourne)
Women Deliver has officially announced the first speakers for the highly anticipated Women Deliver 2026 Conference (WD2026), set to take place in Narrm (Melbourne) from April 27–30, 2026. This event promises to be a significant gathering focused on advancing gender equality, women’s rights, and global development.
National Leadership at WD2026
A highlight of the conference will be the participation of Senator the Hon. Katy Gallagher, Australia’s Federal Minister for Finance, Women, the Public Service, and Government Services. Minister Gallagher is recognized for her long-standing advocacy for women’s representation and gender-responsive governance. Her involvement in WD2026 underscores the importance of national leadership during times when progress on gender equality faces numerous challenges. Her reforms aim to place women at the center of decision-making processes, whether by improving economic security or expanding access to essential health services.
Notable Global Voices
Joining Minister Gallagher on the esteemed speaker list is the Hon. Ruth Cross Kwansing, Kiribati’s Minister for Women, Youth, Sport and Social Affairs, as well as the Pacific Islands Forum’s Political Champion for Gender Equality and Social Inclusion. Her contributions highlight the need for regional perspectives on leadership and social justice.
Another significant figure is Hon. Michelle O’Byrne, Australia’s Ambassador for Gender Equality. In her role, she is instrumental in promoting women’s leadership across the Indo-Pacific, reinforcing Australia’s commitment to gender parity on a broader scale.
Advocacy and Personal Experience
Among the keynote speakers is Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone and President of the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD). She will bring much-needed attention to global action against child sexual exploitation and violence, addressing a critical issue affecting countless women and children worldwide.
Adding a historical perspective, Hon. Julia Gillard AC, Australia’s first and only female Prime Minister, will also grace the stage. More than a decade after her famous speech on misogyny in politics, Gillard’s participation serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing battle against gendered power imbalances.
Voices of Experience and Advocacy
The lineup will also feature Helen Clark, former Prime Minister of New Zealand, whose impact continues to resonate in the spheres of sustainable development and gender equality. Her insights will be invaluable for attendees seeking to understand the intersections of global health issues and leadership.
Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, former United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN Women, brings her wealth of experience focused on human rights, gender equality, and youth development. Her dedication to social justice aligns perfectly with the conference’s mission.
Tulika Srivastava will also lend her expertise, emphasizing grassroots community work and international negotiations. Her unique perspective highlights the need for a nuanced understanding of power dynamics, especially as civil spaces continue to shrink globally.
Regional Focus and Local Leadership
For the first time, the Women Deliver Conference will be regionally hosted in the Oceanic Pacific, providing a platform for voices that often go unheard. The region is facing severe impacts from climate change, inequality, and under-investment in women and girls. However, it is also home to a strong tradition of First Nations and youth-led leadership rooted in resilience and activism.
Key speakers from the region include:
- Antoinette Braybrook AM, CEO of Djirra, a proud First Nations woman advocating for violence prevention among Aboriginal women.
- Noelene Nabulivou, Executive Director of DIVA for Equality, is a well-respected Pacific feminist organizer with a long history of striving for justice, rights, and climate action.
- Dr. June Oscar AO, a proud Bunuba woman, is a leading advocate for First Nations gender justice and focuses on culture and healing.
Global Leadership in Gender Equality
The voice of global governance will be represented by Dr. Diene Keita, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UNFPA. Her experience focuses on sexual and reproductive health and rights, aligning with WD2026’s emphasis on bodily autonomy and accountability in crisis contexts.
Furthermore, Dr. Maliha Khan, CEO of Women Deliver, will play a vital role in the conference. With extensive experience working in marginalized communities, Dr. Khan challenges colonial legacies that persist in development systems and funding structures.
To complete the lineup, Dr. Anita Zaidi, President of Gender Equality at the Gates Foundation, will share insights on driving evidence-based investments that aim to improve the lives of women and girls around the globe.
An Invitation to Engage
WD2026 is set to be a transformative event, bringing together governments, civil society, researchers, funders, and community leaders from around the world. Attendees will have the opportunity to share experiences, assess progress, and discuss the necessary changes to achieve consistent outcomes in gender equality.
Registrations are now open for Women Deliver 2026. For more information about the event and to stay updated, please visit Women Deliver’s official WD2026 page. Join the movement for gender equality and be a part of the change!