5WCWS 2025 - 5th World Conference of Women's Shelters 2025

5th World Conference of Women’s Shelters (5WCWS)

The world’s largest Conference by and for women’s shelters, and those working to end gender-based violence, is heading to the southern hemisphere for the first time!

5WCWS will give a massive boost to the common goal: to end all violence against women globally.

The primary objective of the 5WCWS is to provide a platform for learning and sharing experiences. The goal of this exchange is to contribute to a worldwide systemic approach to ending violence against women and their children, in order to increase the safety, independence, and strength of women worldwide.

Connect.

Engage with colleagues across Australia and internationally who are dedicated to ending violence against women and other forms of gender-based violence. Foster a network of support and collaboration to enhance your efforts and share innovative solutions.

Challenge.

Collaborate with global delegates to confront and dismantle the structural drivers, systems, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviours that perpetuate violence against women and gender-based violence. Together, we will critically examine and challenge the status quo to create a safer world.

Change.

Lead the way in driving the transformational change needed to eradicate all forms of gender-based violence locally and globally. Advocate for policies, implement effective programs, and inspire communities to take action towards a violence-free future.

Why attend?

Over 1000+ delegates from 100+ countries are expected to come together in Sydney, Australia for the Conference. Once again bringing together delegates and presenters from all over the world to share wisdom and approaches to ending gender-based violence. There will be something for every delegate and region, coming together to share research and practice, and to build connections and networks across the continuum from prevention, early intervention, response and recovery.

Who attends?

The Conference is for anyone who is dedicated to ending gender-based violence. Attendees will include those working directly with victim-survivors such as domestic, family and sexual violence workers, anti-violence advocates, shelter and refuge workers, counsellors, social workers, public health, and other non-government organisations. Others attending include human rights advocates, allies, specialists working on specific forms of GBV, academics and researchers, stakeholders, policymakers, legislators, community and corporate leaders.

Key highlights

Our Venue

ICC Sydney is a world class Convention Centre located in Darling Harbour and has easy access to a wide range of accommodation, transport and restaurants.

Connect globally

5WCWS is the world’s largest Conference by and for women’s shelters, and those working to end gender-based violence. This is an unparalleled opportunity to meet and connect with your global colleagues.

High profile keynotes

Prominent figures such as Queen Mary of Denmark, Queen Maxima of the Netherlands, Reese Witherspoon, Former U.S. President Bill Clinton, and Denis Mukwege have supported the shelter movement, advocating for social change to end violence and oppression against women and children.

Learn and share

5WCWS will offer so many formats to share and learn together such as Study tours, Interactive Workshops and demonstrations, as well as lived experience advocates.