Women Deliver 2026 Conference Sponsored Positions opportunity

Closes 1 February 2026
Narrm (Melbourne), Australia
Apply hereEOI Information (doc)EOI Information (pdf)EOI Information (pdf accessible)Partner Pack (folder)

The Wiyi Yani U Thangani Institute for First Nations Gender Justice is offering a limited number of sponsored positions for First Nations women, girls, Sistergirls and gender-diverse peoples across Australia to attend the Women Deliver 2026 Conference in Narrm (Melbourne). This is a pivotal moment for First Nations women, girls, sistergirls and gender-diverse peoples to share our knowledges, connect with global networks, and shape critical conversations on gender justice at an international level.

We encourage you to share the opportunity with your networks and across your socials so that as many First Nations women, girls, Sistergirls, and gender-diverse peoples see this opportunity as possible. Use our the resources in our Partner Pack for template posts and further information about how to get involved.

Key Dates

  • EOI Opens: 19th December 2025
  • EOI Closes: Sunday 1 February 2026 at 11:59pm (AEDT)
  • Applicants Notified: Early March 2026
  • Pre-conference preparation webinars: March-April 2026
  • Pre-conference Gatherings: Sunday 26 April 2026 (details TBC)
  • WD2026 Conference: 27–30 April 2026

Apply via our EOI form

We look forward to sharing the outcomes with those who applied in the coming weeks.

Pay it forward—Sponsor a First Nations woman

The Wiyi Yani U Thangani Institute for First Nations Gender Justice are mobilising resources to ensure First Nations voices are not only present, but supported, safe, and able to participate fully. If your organisation, foundation, or you as an individual have the capacity to give, this is a tangible way to invest in gender justice with lasting impact.
Your contribution directly supports: Registration, travel, meals and accommodation; Cultural, accessibility and care supports; and Participation that strengthens community-led gender justice long after the conference ends.
This is an invitation to stand alongside First Nations women, girls, Sistergirls and gender diverse peoples—not as beneficiaries, but as leaders shaping global conversations.

About Women Deliver 2026 Conference

Women Deliver is one of the world's largest conferences on gender equality. Held every three years, it brings together advocates, leaders and changemakers to reimagine power, align strategies, and act for a feminist future.

Women Deliver will gather more than 6,500 people from across feminist, grassroots, First Nations, youth-led, LGBTQIA+ and women's rights movements, alongside world leaders, creatives, private sector changemakers, academics and media.

For the first time, this global convening is coming to the Oceanic Pacific region, to Narrm (Melbourne). The theme is Change Calls Us Here, a moment to connect, share knowledge and shape what comes next for gender justice.

The initial key themes are:

  • Adolescent Girls’ Rights & SRHR
  • Climate Justice as a Gender & Age Issue
  • Countering Anti-Rights Narratives
  • Strengthening Multilateral Action

The WD26 program is built around four pathways:

  • Disrupt the Now
  • Build the Vision
  • Align for Action
  • Sustain the Movement

When: 27–30 April 2026 with pre-conference gathering on 26 April
Where: Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, Narrm (Melbourne)—first time in the Oceanic Pacific region

The WD2026 program schedule will feature:

  • Pre-Conferences that bring together networks, partners, and communities to convene on specific priorities.
  • Plenary Sessions featuring bold, diverse voices shaping the global gender equality agenda.
  • Concurrent Sessions that transform dialogue into collaboration and action.
  • Side Events for partners to launch research, share programming, and re-connect.
  • Exhibitions, Pavilions, and a Youth Zone that highlight innovation, culture, art, and advocacy in action.

For program updates, visit the WD26 website.

Learn More

Who should apply?

First Nations women, girls, Sistergirls, and gender-diverse peoples aged 12+ who:

  • Identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
  • Can commit to attending the full conference including travel days (approximately 25 April – 1 May 2026)

Important: All attendees under 18 must be accompanied by a registered parent/guardian throughout the conference. See FAQ below for details.

All First Nations Women, girls, Sistergirls and gender-diverse peoples (aged 12+) are welcome to apply.

We encourage applications from mob who are often underrepresented at conferences like this:

  • Trans women and Sistergirls
  • Gender-diverse mob
  • Those living with disability and/or who are neurodivergent
  • Mob from remote and regional communities
  • Elders and senior knowledge holders
  • Young women and girls (aged 12+)
  • Mob with caring responsibilities for children, Elders or family members (children under 12 can attend free)

You don't need to be working in the "gender sector" to apply. Whether you're caring for Country; supporting community health; keeping language and culture alive; working in education, arts, business, law, or cultural heritage; finding your way after a tought time; studying or learning from Elders...Your voice and your knowledge matter here.

What are we looking for

In selecting sponsored positions, we'll consider:

  • Why First Nations Gender Justice matters to you
  • How attending the conference will support your growth and development
  • How you'll share what you learn with your community
  • Your connection to or involvement with First Nations women, girls, Sistergirls and gender-diverse peoples
  • Geographic diversity (ensuring we support mob from different parts of Australia)
  • Diversity of experiences and identities (ensuring we support mob with LGBTQIA+SB identities, disability, age, different lived expereinces)

There's no perfect application. We want to hear your voice and your story in your own words.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the sponsored position cover?

Tell us in your application what support you need and what you can self-support. This helps us redirect funding to enable more women, girls, Sistergirls and gender-diverse people to attend.

When applying, you can select what support you need. This can include:

  • Conference registration fee ($550 USD for First Nations people)
  • Return domestic flights to Melbourne
  • Accommodation in Melbourne (5-6 nights)
  • Meals allowance
  • Airport transfers
  • For those in Victoria: Train/bus or fuel reimbursement and parking

Included in registration from Women Deliver:

  • One parent/guardian registration for those accompanying 12-17 year olds
  • Free attendance for children under 12 (for parent/guardians attending with a child)
  • One disability support companion registration (if required)
Can I get additional support for my family/carers?

We have limited additional funding and will work with selected applicants to explore support for:

  • Companions, carers, or children required to travel with you
  • Guardian/parent flights and accommodation (for those aged 12–17)
  • Disability support person flights and accommodation
  • Children's travel and accommodation costs (for those aged 0-11)
  • Specific accessibility needs

Please share your support needs in the application so we can discuss options together. Don't let uncertainty about additional support stop you from applying.

I live in Melbourne - am I eligible?

Yes!

Melbourne metropolitan area residents: Eligible for conference registration sponsorship.

Regional Victoria residents: Eligible for conference registration, accommodation, and transportation support.

What does "full conference including travel days" mean?

You must be available for the entire period.

Typical Schedule:

  • Saturday 25 April: Travel to Melbourne (earlier if from remote areas)
  • Sunday 26 April: Pre-conference gatherings (details TBC)
  • Monday 27 – Thursday 30 April: Women Deliver Conference
  • Thursday 30 April or Friday 1 May: Travel home

We'll work with you on exact arrangements if selected.

What happens after I apply?
  1. ‍Submit EOI by 11:59 AEDT Sunday 1 February 2026
  2. ‍A selection panel will review all expressions of interest ‍
  3. You're notified by early March 2026‍
  4. If selected: We send you a detailed form to confirm travel arrangements and gather additional information
  5. March-April: Online preparation webinars
  6. 26 April: Pre-conference gatherings (details TBC)
  7. 27-30 April: Women Deliver Conference
  8. Post-Conference: debrief session and sharing learnings with your communitiy
What is the Institute delegation?

Selected sponsored position recipients will be part of the Wiyi Yani U Thangani Institute delegation. As part of the delegation, you'll have Institute team members available throughout the conference for support, guidance or just a familiar face to connect with.

Before the conference:

  • Participate in online preparation meetings
  • Connect with delegation and Institute team
  • Learn about the conference program and Ways of Working

During the conference:

  • Attend the pre-conference gatherings on 26 April (details TBC)
  • Support each other throughout the conference
  • Access Institute team members for support
  • Be part of filming/documentation (with your consent) to capture and share the delegation's experience

After the conference:

  • Share learnings with your community
  • Participate in a debrief session
What are the Ways of Working?

The conference delegation will be guided by the Wiyi Yani U Thangani Ways of Working: (re)learning, lateral love, respect and relationality, embracing all our identities, deep listening, beingself-reflective and aware, intergenerational action, shaping and keeping balance, and sense-making.

Read more on pages 64–65 of the Change Agenda.

For Parents/Guardians (Young People aged 12-17)

What are my responsibilities as a parent/guardian?

Women Deliver 2026 requires all under-18s to be accompaniedby a registered parent/guardian. If your young person is selected, you must:

  • Be willing and able to attend the full conference with them
  • Be available for the full period (approximately 25 April – 1 May 2026)
  • Provide consent for your young person to apply and attend
  • Supervise and hold responsibility your young person throughout theconference

 

What support will I receive?

Women Deliver provide complimentary conferencere registration for one parent/guardian accompanying 12–17-year-olds.

If you require financial support to attend with your young person (such as flights, accommodation, meals, or airport transfers), please indicate which supports you require in the application so we can discuss options. We have limited additional funding and will do our best to support as many young people as possible.

For Those Travelling with Children Under 12

Can I bring my children under 12?

Yes, Women Deliver 2026 allows children under 12 to attend free if accompanying a registered parent/guardian.

If you require financial support for your children to attend with you (such as flights, accommodation, meals, or airport transfers), please indicate which supports you require in the application so we can discuss options.

 

What about childcare in Melbourne?

For local childcare options in Melbourne during conference sessions, contact Women Deliver at wd2026@womendeliver.org

Accessibility & Support

What accessibility support is available?

We're committed to creating an accessible, safe and supportive environment. Please share your support needs in your application.

‍

Women Deliver 2026 provides

  • Accessible venue and facilities at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre
  • Simultaneous interpretation in English, French and Spanish at all Plenary and Concurrent Sessions
  • International Sign Language interpretation at all Plenaries and select sessions
  • Quiet spaces and sensory accommodations

Learn more about accessibility at WD2026

For specific accessibility support, contact: accessibility@womendeliver.org

 

Can I bring a support person?

Yes! Women Deliver provides free conference registration for one disability support companion if required for you to attend. We also have limited funding to explore support for your companion's travel and accommodation - share your needs in the application.

Other ways to attend if I can't access a sponsored position?

Professional development budget: Many workplaces have professional development budgets that can cover conference attendance. Registration for First Nations people is $500 USD. Talk to your manager or HR team. The Institute can provide letters of support - contact wyut@anu.edu.au

We encourage everyone to let us know in their application what supports they need and what they might be able to access through other means (like workplace PD budgets). This helps us support as many people as possible.

Application Support

Contact us at wyut@anu.edu.au and we can provide a Word version or support you in other ways to apply.

  • How long does the application take? About 20-30 minutes to complete. You can save your progress and return to it later.
  • What if I have questions about my application? Contact us at wyut@anu.edu.au- we're here to help and want to make sure everyone who's interested can apply.
  • What if I need to withdraw my application? If you're selected but circumstances change and you can no longer attend, please let us know as soon as possible by contacting wyut@anu.edu.au.

Still have questions? Contact us at wyut@anu.edu.au.

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