We Need More Spaces Like Women Deliver
This article by Asha Clementi reflects on Women Deliver 2026 in Naarm/Melbourne as more than a conference: it was a vital convening space for feminist solidarity, renewal, strategy and movement-building. Drawing on the experience of nearly 6,000 delegates from 183 countries coming together, the piece argues that progressive feminist spaces are increasingly rare — and increasingly necessary.
At its heart, the article is a call to protect and expand spaces where feminists can connect across communities, sectors and generations. It highlights the energising power of gathering in person, the importance of “feminist joy” as a source of resilience, and the urgent need to build coalitions across movements that are too often siloed. Against a backdrop of rising anti-rights organising, shrinking civic space and growing backlash against women’s rights, the article makes the case that feminist movements must become more coordinated, inclusive and ambitious.
There is something almost indescribably special about a progressive, feminist convening. The opportunity to meet feminists from different communities and sectors fills your cup in a way that is nearly indescribable. It fills you with hope for progress and gives you a deep appreciation for the work being done not only in your community, but all around the world.
The latest such convening was Women Deliver 2026 in Naarm (Melbourne). It was the largest global gathering of feminists, bringing together nearly 6000 delegates from 183 countries. For many, this conference presented an opportunity to come together in a way that was positive and progressive - an opportunity that is unfortunately rare these days.
In these increasingly uncertain times, it is important to preserve these spaces for discussion and movement building. Here’s five reasons why we need more spaces like Women Deliver:
1. Energising experience
Even though the 70 hour week was nothing short of wholly exhausting, it filled my cup in a way that can only be done by being surrounded by incredible feminists working together for a common cause. In this case, that cause was the creation of a feminist movement that is more inclusive and intergenerational. There were countless discussions on how we can better include marginalised voices, truly incorporate indigenous knowledge, and activate youth voices in ways that go beyond tokenism.
I, and hopefully many other delegates, left the Conference with a feeling of momentum and buoyancy. The possibilities feel endless.
2. Microdosing feminist joy
The effects of microdosing feminist joy for a week have been incredible. Beyond the physical exhaustion, the feeling of momentum and potential for positive progress is enourmous. Every time you ran into someone new it became an opportunity to learn about a new organisation, a new challenge, and a new way of doing things. You would share contact information and every interaction was somehow one of joy and learning.
Working on women’s rights can be confronting and difficult at the best of times, but this building of bridges and moments of joy are the interactions that we need so much more of if we are to keep ourselves sane, let alone effectively counteract the anti-rights movement.
3. Community and movement building
This Conference was an opportunity for feminists from around the world to come together and share stories, strategies, and successes. Too often, we exist in the feminist movement as individual actors or are siloed to specific corners and sectors. Climate change activists rarely talk with education activists and so on and so forth. Building coalitions across the feminist movement is no longer simply desirable but is a necessity. Working cross-sectorally will provide opportunities for sharing strategies and building a movement that is collectively stronger
Additionally, community, and community that is inclusive, is key. Marginalised voices, including young people and indigenous groups need to be voices at the table that are heard, not just present. We have fantastic potential to support each other but work will need to be done to ensure that no voices are getting left behind. In person convening spaces, particularly with low barriers to access, are crucial for this. The connections you make in one day in a space like Women Deliver are tantamount to what would take you a year of simply reaching out on LinkedIn.
4. Push back against the pushback
From tradwife trends to the growth of the manosphere, it cannot be denied that the anti-rights movement is influencing society at all levels, including at the highest echelons of decision-making. Advocacy has become not just about pushing for progress but about holding the ground we have already gained.
In order to “push back against the pushback”, as UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has called for several times, we must work together. The anti-rights movement is increasingly well coordinated and well funded, and we will not be able to fight against that if we are divided across the movement. Coordination will be key in order to mount a defense and preserve the rights of women and girls worldwide.
5. Spaces for women’s voices are shrinking
In a world where spaces for women’s voices are shrinking rapidly, Women Deliver was a breath of fresh air. For years, the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) was one of the premier convening of women’s groups but this year’s CSW saw fewer delegates than in previous years due to a myriad of issues both structural and societal. In addition to fewer delegates, the anti-rights movement is having an increasing presence, making it even more difficult to maintain a progressive space within the forum.
Women Deliver, in contrast, while structural barriers like visa access and cost were still very much present, had a collective sentiment of positive progress. This is not just something to be preserved, but to be expanded on.
This is ultimately a call to action. These spaces won’t generate spontaneously - they take work to build and foster. We, as a feminist movement, need to actively work together to create events and networks that can not just bring us all together but create momentum for us all to capitalise on.
Content moderator: Brianna Delahunty