FAQs – Women Deliver

FAQ: Women Deliver 2026 Conference (WD2026)

ABOUT WD2026

Women Deliver Conferences are some of the most influential global gatherings for advancing gender equality. They spark ideas, build energy, and drive collective action on key issues — especially the rights and bodily autonomy of girls and women. Since the first Conference in London in 2007, Women Deliver has hosted six global Conferences, bringing together more than 30,000 advocates, experts, leaders, and decision-makers.

Learn more about our past conferences here.

The theme for WD2026 is Change calls us here.  

Change calls us here to gather, to strategize, and to shift power. Change calls us here to centre the leadership and lived experiences of feminists, First Nations leaders, and advocates across the Oceanic Pacific. Change calls us here to come together – across oceans, movements, and generations – to resist, to reimagine and to rebuild.  

April 27–30, 2026, in Narrm (Melbourne), Australia.
Women Deliver uses a thorough, inclusive process to select host cities — including site visits and consultations with governments and advocates.

WD2026 will bring together over 6,500 people from more than 170 countries — including civil society and feminist activists, youth advocates, First Nations leaders, media, governments, multilateral agencies, philanthropy, and the private sector.

Everything you need to know will be shared on WD2026.org

The Oceanic Pacific region — with its deep history of First Nations leadership — is a global force in advancing gender equality. Feminists here have led the way on climate justice, bodily autonomy, and First Nations rights.

Holding WD2026 in Narrm (Melbourne) reflects the power and leadership of the region’s movements. Regional gatherings in Fiji and Narrm and strong Oceanic Pacific participation at WD2023 helped guide this decision.

Women Deliver uses a thorough, inclusive process to select host cities — including site visits and consultations with governments and advocates.

The Global Coordination Group (CG), made up of partners from across sectors and regions, is shaping the Conference. They’re working alongside a Regional Steering Committee and First Nations Governance Group to ensure that the Conference is co-created and community-led. More details here.

We’re working on a fresh approach grounded in co-creation, feminist leadership, and local-global collaboration. Stay tuned for more!

REGISTRATION & COST

Registration is now open! Visit our registration page to learn more and secure your spot.

Full pricing details are available here.

Your registration gives you access to Plenary Sessions, Concurrent Sessions, the Exhibition Hall, Side Events, and special programming like the Youth Zone. More details are available here.

Yes — registration deadlines, including early bird and standard rates, are outlined here.

While there won’t be a full virtual Conference, we’ll offer some virtual ways to engage. More information coming soon.

You’ll get a confirmation email once your registration and payment are complete.

Our refund policy is available on the registration page.

In the event that a visa application is denied, registrants may cancel their conference registration and request a refund, subject to a non-refundable processing fee of USD 50 per registrant. Refund requests on the basis of visa denial will only be considered if submitted in writing, together with official proof of visa refusal, no later than April 7, 2026, to  WD2026@womendeliver.org. Requests received after this date, or without the required documentation, will not be processed.

Yes! Group registration is available here.

Yes, you can request one during registration.

Yes, all attendees will have access to certificates.

Absolutely. You can still register as a regular attendee.

Yes, everyone organizing or presenting at a session needs to register. You must be registered to attend all Conference events, including Side Events.

In the event that a visa application is denied, registrants may cancel their conference registration and request a refund, subject to a non-refundable processing fee of USD 50 per registrant. Refund requests on the basis of visa denial will only be considered if submitted in writing, together with official proof of visa refusal, no later than April 7, 2026, to  WD2026@womendeliver.org. Requests received after this date, or without the required documentation, will not be processed.

SCHOLARSHIPS

Yes, a call for applications for youth from or based in the Oceanic Pacific was held from July 18 to August 10, 2025. The application period is now closed, and submissions are under review. Applicants will be notified of the outcomes in November 2025

PARTICIPATION

We welcome speaker suggestions – send them to WD2026@womendeliver.org. Alternatively, you an apply to host a session through our open call for concurrent sessions, which runs from 2 September to 5 October 2025. Learn more here.

You’ll be able to submit speaker nominations once the application process opens.

There may be volunteer opportunities at WD2026 shared closer to the event.

Yes! Exhibitor info and applications will be posted here.

Yes, we invite individuals, organizations, movements, and collectives to submit applications for concurrent sessions that are bold, participatory, and drive action for gender equality. These sessions are a critical part of WD2026’s program and will offer space for cross-sectoral collaboration, knowledge sharing, and movement building. Find out more about how to apply here.

Yes, we are not taking applications for Side Events outside of sponsorship at this time. Please refer to Question 27 for more details.

We’ll publish the full schedule on our website closer to the event.

We’re building this together! Stay tuned for ways to contribute your ideas.

Partner Side Events offer organizations a unique opportunity to deepen conversations and drive collective action beyond the main program. Whether you’re hosting an advocacy and policy discussion, a fireside chat, a workshop, or a networking event, this is your space to connect and strategize with global feminist leaders. 

  1. Shape the agenda: Lead critical conversations that complement the main conference themes.
  2. Deepen engagement: Bring together activists, policymakers, and funders in a focused space.
  3. Strengthen advocacy: Amplify key issues, showcase innovations, and build momentum for change.

Partner Side Events will take place on: 

  • Tuesday April 28, 2026 (Morning, Lunch and Evening) 
  • Wednesday April 29, 2026 (Morning, Lunch and Evening) 
  • Thursday April 30, 2026 (Morning and Lunch) 

The times are as follows:

  • Morning Time – 7:30 – 9:00
  • Lunch Time – 12:00 – 13:30
  • Evening – 17:30- 19:00

All Partner Side Event will take place at the Melbourne Conference and Exhibition Center (MCEC).

Women Deliver can provide the following spaces:

  • Large rooms: 120 – 230 people
  • Medium rooms: 80 – 120 people
  • Small rooms: 50 – 70 people

Each side event is 90 minutes. 

If organization need an extra-large space, please reach out to partnersideevents@womendeliver.org or wd2026@womendeliver.org 

The set up for each room that holds Partner Side Events will not be changed between sessions. 

Most rooms will in a theatre setup, but we will have some rooms set up in banquet style. 

Women Deliver will not provide live interpretation. For organization who want to provide interpretation,  Women Deliver can link the organizers with our vendors.

Organizers can request their Partner Side Event to be public or private. If it is public, it will be published on the conference program and on the conference app. 

It is private, it won’t be published on the conference program or also on the conference app.

All sessions are 90 minutes and include:

  • An ultra-high-definition projector
  • Widescreen projection surface
  • Presenter and stage lighting
  • Intelligent lectern
  • Speech & multimedia PA system
  • Catering packages and additional AV equipment are available at an extra cost.

Some organizations provide meals during their side events, it is up to the organizer.



Room Size Capacity Rate (USD)*
Small 30-59 people 2,300.00 USD
Mid-Size 60-120 people 2,900.00 USD
Large 121-230 people 3,500.00 USD
Extra Large 235-699 people Reach out to us

 

*Price includes 10 % GST 

Yes the PCO will provide logistical support to the Partner Side Events organizers. 

YOUTH ENGAGEMENT

Youth leadership is central to Women Deliver. WD2026 will include dedicated spaces and programming to support young advocates.

Yes, anyone under 18 will need a guardian or signed consent documentation. Attendees under the age of 18 will need a chaperone 18 years or older to accompany them to WD2026.

SPONSORSHIP & SUPPORT

Yes, we offer a range of sponsorship options. More information can be found here.

Yes! Contributions are welcome. More information can be found here.

ACCESSIBILITY & INCLUSION

We’re committed to making WD2026 inclusive and accessible. You can find more information about our commitment to accessibility here.

Yes — we’ll provide content in English, French, and Spanish languages to support global access. International Sign Language will be available during the plenary sessions and additional sign language interpretation can be requested at accessibility@womendeliver.org.

Yes, all persons entering the Conference venue need to register. Aides for persons with disabilities do not have to pay the registration fee.

HEALTH & SAFETY

Your safety is our priority. We’ll follow public health guidelines and share our protocols before the event.

TRAVEL & ACCOMMODATION

Yes — we’ll provide visa support letters upon registration. Information about applying for a visa can be found here. 

Yes, conference attendees who register for the conference will receive a letter of invitation upon completing the registration process.

Yes, conference attendees who register for WD2026 will receive a letter of invitation upon completing the registration process. 

There are different visa options to explore for visiting Australia. To learn more, please click here. 

Conference attendees and speakers that will not be working, performing or otherwise be paid to contribute at the event may be eligible to apply for the following visa options: 

  • Visitor (subclass 600) Business stream visa – for more information, click here
  • Electronic Travel Authority – ETA (subclass 601) – for general information, please click here. You can check your eligibility here 
  • eVisitor (subclass 651) Business stream visa – for general information, click here. You can check your eligibility here. 

NB: Eligibility for an eVisitor visa and ETA will be determined by the country of the applicant’s passport. 

The Australian Government Department of Home Affairs, Immigration and Citizenship website provides a step-by-step guide to conference attendees. 

Delegates can book hotels through the WD2026 Hotel Booking Portal, which offers a range of price points near the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC).

PROGRAM & ACTIVITIES

A vibrant, multi-day program with pre-conferences, plenaries, concurrents, side events, plenaries, exhibits, a Youth Zone, Arts & Film Festival, Media Hub, and more — featuring 400+ speakers and 1,000+ young leaders.

Thematic sessions held before the main program to introduce key topics and set the stage for deeper engagement. 

Main stage sessions that bring everyone together to explore big-picture themes and spark inspiration. 

Interactive, 90-minute workshops and smaller-group sessions focused on sharing solutions and driving collective action. 

Independently organized sessions led by partners and sponsors that take place alongside the official program. 

MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS

Media accreditation details will be available soon.

Please email our communications team at WD2026media@fiftyacres.com and media@womendeliver.org

Want to stay updated?
Sign up for our newsletter here or visit WD2026.org.