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

Sydney, Australia

Fundraising resources

Here are some helpful hints to help you raise funds to attend 5WCWS.

Goodluck in your fundraising!

Considering the limited Conference scholarship opportunities, peer-to-peer fundraising is another strongly recommended way to obtain the resources to join 5WCWS, so long as you have a community of devoted followers, colleagues, friends, or families willing to help you achieve something meaningful and worthwhile.

Why your peers should support you to attend 5WCWS

Gender-based violence is a global violation of human rights. One in three women experience physical and/or sexual violence, usually by an intimate partner in their lifetime. Whether as volunteer-run grassroots organisations or multidisciplinary coordinated services, women’s shelters not only provide safety, but are critical partners in the effort to eliminate violence against women and girls, and have been for the last 50 years.

5WCWS will bring together 1000+ people from 100+ countries to connect, challenge and change. You will have the opportunity to network with peers in other countries and regions around the world, and through unity and collective energy, be empowered and motivated to take action to end violence against women and other forms of gender-based violence locally and globally. .

The wide range of topics in the Conference agenda, the exhibition area, pre and post workshops and study tours will promote and encourage peer-to-peer links, and build connections between anti-violence workers and advocates, academics and researchers, experts from other fields, policy and law makers , and corporate leaders. These networking opportunities will help to spark global projects and initiatives to support women shelters in ways that would not have been possible before.

5WCWS will feature influential speakers and leading female change-makers from politics, civil society and the corporate world. These keynote speeches from previous world conferences have never failed to make an immediate impact on the audience.

How much will it cost?

Without the plane ticket, the estimated cost of five nights is about AUD2,190/USD1,445, including super early bird registration fee, mid-range accommodation (three to four-star shared twin room), local transportation, inexpensive meals outside the Conference and miscellaneous items.

Cost estimates include 10% GST

  • Registration: AUD1.465 (based on NGO Standard) - note, you can save AUD366 if you register for super early bird by 17 December 2024
  • Hotel: $100 x 5 nights = AUD500 (based on twin share per person)
  • Ground Transportation Sydney (airport and return to hotel close to ICC Sydney): AUD75 (based on UberX twin share Sydney airport to ICC Sydney)
  • Meal: AUD30 x 5 days’ meals = AUD150
  • Total: AUD2,190/USD1,445

Add additional costs for visas if you require one, and estimate the cost of the flight ticket from your departure point to adjust your budget accordingly.

Peer-to-peer fundraising resources or Crowd Funding

There are a number of crowdfunding platforms that allow people to create their own website with which they raise money for events ranging from life events such as celebrations and graduations to challenging circumstances like accidents and illnesses.

During this process, members can describe their fundraising cause and the amount they hope to raise, and upload photos or videos. Once a campaign is created, the platform allows users to share their project with people through integrated social network links (Facebook, Twitter, etc.) and email. People can then donate to a user's cause through the website using a debit card or credit card and track the progress of their funding. Those who donate can also leave comments on the website in support of the project. If the user receives no donations, then no charge is made. Be aware that most platforms charge a percentage of the funds raised from each donation.

5WCWS does not recommend a specific Crowdfunding platform. Please carefully ensure it is a genuine platform. More important than the tool, however, is your strategy. Identify who you are going to ask to participate and how you are going to ask them, and then be sure to do whatever is needed to keep them on track and engaged in the conference.

Wesnet uses the Australian platform GiveNow.

Facebook charitable giving tools

Social networking communities are a powerful way to build awareness of your favourite cause. A Facebook page can establish a sense of transparency, legitimacy, and trust among supporters. Facebook gives clear instructions on helping you get started and tips to reach your goal. You can connect friends to your cause and gain supporters across Facebook.

For personal fundraisers, fundraiser creators can be charged payment processing fees and, in some countries, additional taxes when the money raised is distributed.

Other ideas

For your birthday, this Christmas or another festive occasion, ask your friends and family to sponsor you to attend 5WCWS. It will be the best gift for your personal and career growth and you will help the global community to end gender-based violence.

Disclaimer

Please do not raise funds based on you presenting, until you have received a formal acceptance of your abstract from the Hosts and Conference Secretariat 1 February 2025.

Key dates

Women Gathering Elements

Express your interest

Conference starts in

42
weeks
06
days
22
hours
09
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