At a moment when gender equality faces genuine headwinds — constrained resources, shrinking political will, deliberate pushback — being together [at WD2026] provided something harder to quantify than a policy brief or a program evaluation: renewal. A chance to see the full scope of the work being done every day to save and improve lives, and to fortify ourselves for the work ahead.”

— Anita Zaidi, President, Gender Equality Division at Gates Foundation

Lily Dong Li Rosengard from ILGA World speaking at the “From Resistance to Renewal” Plenary.

“It is absolutely essential that spaces such as Women Deliver embrace those of all sexual orientations, gender identities, gender expressions, and sex characteristics…We’re thrilled to have partnered with Women Deliver — especially given the name and mission of the Conference — to show the true inclusivity of the term women.”

— ILGA World

“[WD2026] became a living example of what feminist refugia can look like: a space where care, connection, strategy and imagination exist together.”

— Ayshka Najib, People’s Climate Diplomacy Program, Co-founder and Campaign Coordinator

That is why the Melbourne Declaration matters. Not as another pretty document, but as a call for accountability, resources, and movements that refuse to stay polite while our rights are being negotiated.”

— Dina Chaerani, Sexdugram, Co-Founder

“One word keeps returning to me: generosity. From the opening welcome to the final walk out of the venue, generosity was everywhere. The generosity of First Nations women welcoming us to Narrm through language, dance, song and truth-telling. The generosity of attendees from every corner of the Pacific. The generosity of presenters who spoke truth to power, often at great personal risk.”

— Kerry Wilson, Director, Gender Equity Victoria

Sharmila Sinha and Julia Gillard.

“What stayed with me most was the deep sense of connection across movements, generations, and geographies. In a moment of growing backlash against women’s rights, I left [WD2026] reminded that collaboration, courage, and community remain some of our greatest strengths.”

— Sharmila Sinha, CEO, Equality Now

ODI Global’s team at the Women Deliver conference in Narrm (Melbourne). Left to right: Hannah Murray, Megan Daigle. Sara Pantuliano, Diana Jiménez Thomas Rodriguez, Brianna Craft and David Aragón.

“With the launch of the Melbourne Declaration for Gender Equality, we are proud to stand behind a shared vision: a world where states uphold human rights, and where feminist movements and civil society have the resources, space and legitimacy to hold power to account. The backlash is organized. So must we be.”

— ODI Global

“We returned [from WD2026] with new alliances, more questions, and much greater certainty: feminisms and LGBTQI+ people continue building possible futures, even when the global context pushes in the opposite direction.”

— Data Género

“Being surrounded by thousands of global colleagues [at WD2026] — so deeply committed to change — was one of the most affirming moments of 2026 thus far.”

— Julie Inman Grant, PSM, Australia’s eSafety Commissioner