5WCWS STUDY TOUR ANNOUNCEMENTS!
Step out of the conference and into the heart of the work.
A Global Conference led with and by the FDV specialist sector.
As part of the 5th World Conference of Women’s Shelters, we’re offering a series of immersive Study Tours on Thursday, 18 September 2025.
These half-day experiences will take you behind the scenes of some of Sydney’s most impactful programs, services, and initiatives – with opportunities to connect directly with the practitioners, advocates, and communities driving change.
Important:
- Available only to registered delegates
- Places are strictly limited
- Additional cost applies ($150 incl. GST per tour)
- Pre-registration and full payment required
If you are already registered for the conference please contact registration@
If you are not yet registered for the conference you can secure your place by registering for the conference first, then adding your chosen workshop(s) during the registration process.
ICC Sydney | 2–4.30pm | Limit: 150
Encryption is one of the most important tools we have to protect the safety and privacy of survivors. This interactive session will break down how encryption works, why it matters for frontline services, and how to debunk the myths that often undermine survivor safety. You’ll hear from international experts on practical strategies to use encryption in your daily practice and advocacy. Walk away with actionable tools to strengthen digital security for survivors in your community.
Departs King Street Wharf | 10am–12pm | Limit: 80
Step onto the Mari Nawi (big canoe) and cruise Sydney Harbour with Aboriginal hosts from Tribal Warrior. You’ll hear rich histories and stories of the Cadigal, Guringai, Wangal, Gammeraigal, and Wallumedegal peoples. The tour includes a guided visit to Clark Island and a powerful Aboriginal cultural performance. It’s an unforgettable opportunity to learn directly from First Nations knowledge holders while taking in Sydney’s most iconic landscapes.
Coach departs ICC | 9.30am–1.30pm | Limit: 20
(International delegates only)
Visit one of Sydney’s largest women’s refuges, operated by the Women’s and Girls’ Emergency Centre (WAGEC). On this study tour, you’ll see firsthand how wraparound support is delivered to women and children experiencing violence and homelessness. Staff will share insights into WAGEC’s integrated model of crisis accommodation, advocacy, and community support. This tour offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at a leading Australian service in action.
16 Pirrama Road, Pyrmont (10 min walk from ICC) | 9.30am–12.30pm OR 1.30-4.30pm | Limit: 40 per session
Explore how Australia’s world-first eSafety Commissioner is tackling online abuse and technology-facilitated gender-based violence. Through presentations and case studies, you’ll learn how regulation, industry collaboration, and prevention strategies are reshaping online safety. The sessions will cover responses to emerging threats, from image-based abuse to harassment in digital spaces. Choose from a morning or afternoon session to gain practical insights into this fast-evolving area of work.
Coach departs ICC | 9.30am–4pm | Limit: 50
For more than 40 years, Muslim Women Australia has been providing faith-informed and culturally responsive services to women and families. This tour takes you to MWA’s crisis and transitional housing programs, where you’ll hear directly from practitioners about their unique, community-driven approaches. Learn how services are designed to be inclusive, holistic, and grounded in cultural safety. The visit highlights how MWA combines frontline support with policy influence to create systemic change.
Coach departs ICC | 10am-2pm OR 1.15-5pm | Limit: 14 per session
This study tour focuses on the experiences of women on temporary visas who face gender-based violence. At JRS, you’ll hear about the intersecting challenges of immigration policy, gender inequality, and survivor safety. Practitioners will share stories of resilience and how services adapt to meet complex legal and social needs. Morning and afternoon sessions ensure more intimate conversations with frontline staff and advocates.
Coach departs ICC | 9am–5.15pm | Limit: 30
ANROWS is at the forefront of national research on violence against women and children in Australia. This full-day tour will show how research is translated into real-world policy and practice. Participants will learn about groundbreaking studies shaping service design and government action. The session offers valuable insights for anyone interested in evidence-based approaches to prevention and response.
Coach departs ICC | 1.30am–4.30pm | Limit: 20
Full Stop Australia is a leading national organisation providing 24/7 trauma specialist counselling, advocacy, and training. Their award-winning Vicarious Trauma Management Program is internationally recognised for supporting staff safety and wellbeing. Full Stop also plays a critical role in amplifying the voices of people with lived expertise and shaping national policy. Full details of this tour will be released soon — stay tuned for an inspiring deep dive into their work.
