5WCWS Logo

5th World Conference of Women's Shelters
15-18 Sept 2025

Sydney, Australia

Call for abstracts

Submit your abstracts to share your work, research and insights at 5WCWS.

The deadline for Call for abstracts is midnight (AEDT), 31 October 2024

5WCWS will provide a rich and interwoven tapestry of presentations that will cater to a global audience.

The 5WCWS seeks presentations that cover all forms of gender-based violence and that have an intersectional approach that recognises intersecting oppressive structures and systems in people’s lives.  

The Conference will provide themes, topics and areas that will interest those that are in the early stages of responding to and preventing gender-based violence, through to already established services, and to those that are well established working in a system that is focused on systems integration and coordination.  The Conference program will do this by presenting a wide range of topics that weave across a variety of themes.  

A range of overarching and cross cutting topics will fall within these themes.  We are keen to review abstracts that are original, unique and innovative and which address one or more of the topics below, keeping in mind the Conference Thematic Areas of Interest.

Conference themes

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.

Abstract topics

Types of abstracts

Abstract submitters can submit abstracts on one of the following:

  • Oral presentation: 1-3 presenters speaking to PowerPoint presentation(s) with limited audience participation other than Q&A.
  • Discussion panel: up to 5 presenters.
  • Interactive workshop/demonstration/storytelling: less formal presentation with a group where there is audience participation and discussion.
  • Poster: a single-page poster for display in the Conference app with option to display in the exhibition space. Option to have a scheduled

time to briefly pitch/present your poster. Please note that limited poster boards will be available.

Abstract format and content

Abstract length is up to 350 words with a working title of up to 25 words.

An abstract is a window into your work. In 350 words or less, your abstract should provide abstract reviewers with a clear and concise summary of what you will present at the Conference.

Timeline

Ready to be part of 5WCWS?

Submit your abstract before midnight (AEDT) 31 October 2024 and gain the opportunity to share your work with an international, multi-stakeholder community.

Enquiries

Please visit our FAQs related to abstracts page.

All enquiries regarding abstracts for 5WCWS should be emailed

Rebekah McIntosh

Program and Abstracts Coordinator

program@fifthworldshelterconference.org

+61 (7) 3255 1002

Key dates

Women Gathering Elements

Express your interest

Conference starts in

46
weeks
03
days
21
hours
02
minutes

Acknowledgement of country

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the lands and waters throughout Australia and pay respect to the Elders past, present and emerging. We recognise the importance of connection to culture, land, kinship and community to the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander families. We acknowledge the cultural practices and traditions still carried out today and being passed down to future generations.

Indigenous Flag
Torres Stait Flag

WESNET and GNWS are committed to UN Sustainable Development Goal no. 5:

Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls

The 17 GOALS of Sustainable Development sdgs.un.org/goals
Gender Equality logo