Introduction
The World Conference of Women’s Shelters is dedicated to providing a harassment-free, safe, and fulfilling Conference experience for everyone. This is underpinned by the Guiding Principles and Core Values of the Global Network of Women’s Shelters (GNWS) and Wesnet (The Women’s Services Network) Inc. To read more about the core values of GNWS, and Wesnet, click here.
Commitment to safety
The Hosts and the Conference Organiser of 5WCWS are committed to providing a Conference that is welcoming and safe for all Participants (i.e. attendees, speakers, guests, sponsors, exhibitors, media, suppliers and volunteers), is free from unlawful discrimination and harassment, and where all Participants are treated with dignity and respect.
Harassment is unlawful under both federal and all Australian state anti-discrimination laws, and as such, people suspected of such misconduct may be reported to authorities.
Code of conduct
Adherence to this Code of conduct is a requirement for all 5WCWS Participants, and covers all aspects of this Conference, including Conference sessions and breaks, all social events and all communication, including that via email or social media (including but not limited to Facebook and X) associated with the Conference. Unacceptable behaviour includes, but is not limited to:
- Harassment, including behaviour targeting an individual or group’s gender, sexual orientation, disability, race, ethnicity, political preference, religion, age, national origin, gender identity or expression, or physical appearance.
- Inappropriate and/or unwanted physical contact.
- Unwelcome sexual attention, which can include inappropriate questions of a sexual nature, asking for sexual favours or repeatedly asking for dates or contact information.
- Stalking or deliberate intimidation.
- Unwanted photography or recording (if you are asked to stop photographing or recording someone, please do so; if someone indicates that they do not want to be photographed or recorded, do not record or photograph them).
- Discriminatory or sexual images in public spaces.
- Sustained or wilful disruption of talks or other events.
- Deliberate action to disrupt the Conference.
Consequences of violations
Conference Participants violating these rules may be sanctioned or expelled from the Conference without a refund at the discretion of the Hosts and the Conference Organiser.
The Hosts and the Conference Organiser will enforce this code throughout the Conference. We expect cooperation from all Participants to help ensure a safe environment for everybody.
Reporting and support
Any Participant asked to stop any harassing behaviour is expected to comply with any directives issued by the Hosts and/or the Conference Organiser immediately.
If a Participant engages in harassing behaviour, the Hosts and the Conference Organiser may take any action they deem appropriate, including warning the offender or expulsion from the Conference with no refund.
If you are being harassed, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns, please contact the Conference Secretariat.