An international conference dedicated to advancing the
health and rights of women and girls will be held in the Oceania region for the
first time when Melbourne plays host in 2026.
The triennial Women
Deliver conference will take place at the Melbourne Convention and
Exhibition Centre (MCEC) and is expected to attract around 6,500 delegates.
The successful bid was spearheaded by the Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) and
the Victorian State Government Department of Families, Fairness and Housing.
With abortion rights coming under increased pressure, the
conference is being hailed as an ‘opportunity to advance the movement for
gender justice and reproductive health.’
Building on its successful hosting of a smaller regional
Women Deliver convening in 2023, Melbourne’s bid highlights its ability to
deliver world-class events that make a lasting impact.
Women Deliver is dedicated to promoting the bodily autonomy
and health of women, girls, and gender-diverse people. Its mission focuses on
empowering individuals to exercise their sexual and reproductive health and
rights, ensuring they can lead safe, healthy, and fulfilled lives.
Natalie Hutchins, Victorian Minister for Women, said: “Victoria
is a world leader when it comes to gender equality, the prevention of family
violence and the gender pay gap – this conference will bring thousands of
experts from all over the world to work together with local experts and drive
global outcomes for women.”
Julia Swanson, MCB chief executive, added: “Events like this
create a critical platform for dialogue, knowledge sharing, and networking,
empowering participants to drive transformative change and advance gender
equality worldwide."
Women Deliver president and CEO, Maliha Khan, concluded: “We
look forward to collaborating with and learning from gender equality advocates
– including feminist activists, First Nations leaders, and more – to advance
the health and rights of adolescent girls and women not only in the Oceanic
Pacific but around the world.”
Written By
James Lancaster
AMI editor James
Lancaster is a familiar face in the meetings industry and international
association community. Since joining AMI in 2010, he has gained a reputation
for asking difficult questions and getting lost in convention centres. Proofer, podcaster, and panellist - in his spare time, James likes to walk,
read, listen to music, and drink beer.
