Hosted by Wesnet and held in the Southern Hemisphere for the first time, the conference took place at the International Convention Centre in Sydney, Australia from 15 to 18 September 2025. The event brought together 1,200 delegates from more than 60 countries and featured over 200 speakers sharing global insights, research and strategies to end gender-based violence.
Across social media and post conference feedback, delegates described 5WCWS as powerful, inspiring and deeply connecting. Many spoke about the emotional impact of hearing from global leaders, the collective strength of being part of a movement spanning more than sixty countries, and the sense of solidarity and shared purpose created across the four days.
The program included 12 keynotes and more than 200 concurrent sessions covering a broad range of critical themes including:
Addressing all forms of gender-based violence
Safety, wellbeing, recovery and healing
The continuum of prevention and response
Anti oppression and inclusion
Breaking down barriers and driving systems change
Justice and human rights
Current research and evidence
Sustainable funding and resourcing
Technology and innovation
Global collaboration and partnership
Alongside keynotes, plenaries, workshops, study tours and regional caucuses, the conference created space for connection, learning and collaboration between advocates from around the world.
Our hope is that delegates were left with new strategies, tools and partnerships to strengthen their work, along with renewed energy and commitment to our shared goals: supporting victim-survivors, strengthening services, holding perpetrators to account and working collectively to prevent gender-based violence globally.
As 2025 comes to a close, we look back on a year marked by both challenges and powerful moments of solidarity. The work to end gender-based violence is never easy, but each time our community comes together, we are reminded that hope is resilient.
In this edition of the Global Network of Women’s Shelters is excited to bring you inspiring stories from around the world:
National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV)’s Approach to Technology Safety
Addressing Digital Financial Abuse – Women’s Shelters Canada
Project Swarajya’s Concern For Digital-Based GBV Survivors
National Center Against Violence (NCAV) in Mongolia: Combating Digital Violence
Women’s Services Network Australia & 5WCWS Recap
GNWS Open Letter: After the 5WCWS
Korea Women’s Hot-Line (KWHL)- Performance Campaign & Policy Forum
Updates from Lila.Help
Becoming Friends of GNWS: How you can get involved
We hope these stories bring encouragement and inspiration as we carry this important work forward. If you have ideas or stories to share, we warmly welcome you to connect with us at info@gnws.org.
Together, we can build a world free from gender-based violence and discrimination.
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.
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.
International Convention Centre, Sydney, Australia
5WCWS PRE AND POST CONFERENCE WORKSHOP ANNOUNCEMENTS!
REGISTRATIONS NOW OPEN
As part of the 5th World Conference of Women’s Shelters, we’re excited to announce a series of exclusive Pre and Post Conference Workshops — designed to give delegates hands-on learning, practical tools, and in-depth discussions with sector experts.
All workshops will be in-person at ICC Sydney and available only to registered delegates.
Pre-registration and full payment are required. There is an additional charge to attend a Pre and Post Conference Workshop.
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.
Only open to ALL First Nations delegates from all over the world.
Participants must be in the room by 10am to be included. Start the morning with chair yoga, followed by a powerful panel of Australian First Nations women exploring culturally grounded responses to domestic and family violence, community-led shelters, and collective healing.
Presented and sponsored by: Women’s and Girls’ Emergency Centre (WAGEC) (AUS)
Learn how abusers misuse technology, how to identify TFA, and how to support survivors in using tech safely. Suitable for anyone interested in this area.
Presented by: National Network for Ending Domestic Violence (USA) and Wesnet (AUS).
For those with foundational knowledge, this workshop explores advanced tracking methods, stalkerware, digital forensics, and privacy risks in connected technologies.
Presented by: National Network for Ending Domestic Violence (USA), Wesnet (AUS) and Nansen.
The Global Network of Women’s Shelters (GNWS) Foundation was established in 2014 in The Hague, The Netherlands, as the legal entity of the GNWS. Its mission is to support the Global Network of Women’s Shelters—founded in 2009 in Ottawa, Canada—and its regional networks around the world.
In 2024, we continue to grow our global initiative, Lila.help, and prepare for the 5th World Conference of Women’s Shelters. We firmly believe that by strengthening connections among women’s shelters worldwide, we are building a safer, more just world. Together, we are making change possible.
5WCWS INTERNATIONAL KEYNOTE SPEAKER ANNOUNCEMENTS!
We are excited to announce two international keynotespeakers who will be presenting at the highly anticipated 5th World Conference of Women’s Shelters (5WCWS)!
Olena Shevchenko from Ukraine and Bandana Rana from Nepal are both passionate advocates for women’s rights, gender equality and creating a world free from gender-based violence. We are thrilled that each speaker will present on the keynote stage, followed by a concurrent session to continue the conversation and learnings in a more intimate setting.
Olena Shevchenko
Olena Shevchenko, is a prominent Ukrainian women’s and LGBTI rights activist, serving as the chairwoman of the NGO Insight and co-founder of the feminist movement – Women’s March in Ukraine (Marsh Zhinok). Olena’s keynote at 5WCWS will explore the systemic forces driving the crisis across the world where women’s rights are facing an alarming backlash — rising restrictions on reproductive freedom, violence against feminist movements, and the erosion of legal protections. Olena will call on 5WCWS delegates to stand together and build a future where equality is not just a fight, but a reality.
Bandana Rana
Bandana Rana is the first Nepali member of the UN CEDAW (Convention of Elimination of Discrimination Against Women) Committee since 2017. She served as Vice Chair of the Committee from 2018-2020 and is presently the chair of the Task Force on Afghanistan within the Committee. Bandana will present at 5WCWS on breaking down barriers and dismantling gender stereotypes to end violence against women while explaining CEDAW’s role in addressing structural barriers to equality and protection.
REGISTER NOW! 5WCWS 2025 – 5th World Conference of Women’s Shelters 2025 (https://lnkd.in/gy-qQxut)
The Global Network of Women’s Shelters has exciting updates to share! 2025 has begun with impactful connections and significant progress, all dedicated to ending gender-based violence and ensuring women and their children worldwide receive the support and assistance they need.
In this newsletter:
GNWS Parallel Event at CSW69 in NYC
Update of 5WCWS
Asian Network of Women’s Shelters (ANWS) Regional Webinar
Australia Update
New Resources-Harm Reduction in Women’s Shelters Canada
Aotearoa New Zealand Update
Vietnam-Ánh Dương (Sunshine) House
Together, we can build a world free from gender-based violence and discrimination.
As 2024 comes to a close, we find ourselves reflecting on a year filled with challenges and uplifting moments of connection. The fight against gender-based violence is undeniably tough, but every step we take together illuminates the path toward a more just and equitable world.
We are thrilled to share the latest edition of the GNWSnewsletter with you! Inside, you’ll find inspiring updates and critical insights, including:
Call to register for the 5WCWS
Updates from Lila.help
Highlights from Wesnet in Australia
Shelter Voices 2024 and Tech Safety from Women’s Shelter Canada
Strengthening Alliances Against Gender-Based Violence: ANWS Delegates Visit Taiwan
South America: Energy Crisis in Ecuador and Its Impact on Women Facing Gender-Based Violence
Together, let’s continue building hope and taking action for a better future.
5WCWS | Registration & Call for Abstracts are now open!
1 August 2024
Registration and Call for Abstracts are now open for the 5th World Conference of Women’s Shelters (5WCWS) being held 15-18 September 2025 in Sydney, Australia. To find out more, please visit: https://fifthworldshelterconference.org/
PRESS RELEASE | Sydney, Australia to host the 5th World Conference Of Women’s Shelters
18 March 2024
Last week the host city for the 5th World Conference of Women’s Shelters was announced and will be held 15-18 September 2025 in Sydney, Australia. This event will be hosted by Wesnet (Women’s Services Network Inc.) and the Global Network of Women’s Shelters (GNWS). The announcement is available here.
