Global voices unite: 61 nations gather in Sydney to champion women’s safety

More than 1,200 delegates from 61 countries gathered at the ICC Sydney from 15-18 September for the 5th World Congress of Women’s Shelters. The meeting highlighted the power of global connection, collaboration and purpose.

Hosted by WESNET and co-presented with the Global Network of Women’s Shelters, the four-day meeting brought together leaders, frontline workers and advocates driving action to end gender-based violence. Supported by Business Events Sydney (BESydney), it marked the first time the event had ever been held in the Southern Hemisphere. 

For organisers, Sydney’s global reputation made it the perfect backdrop. “The four previous conferences had all been in the Northern Hemisphere,” Karen explained. “We were honoured to bring it to the Southern Hemisphere for the first time and delighted to host it in Sydney. Many delegates told us Sydney was on their bucket list.” 

This partnership between BESydney, ICC Sydney and ICMS Australasia created what conference director Nicolette van der Walt described as “a trio”, each bringing expertise to deliver a world-class event. “Without that trio – BESydney, ICC Sydney and ICMS – it wouldn’t have worked,” she said. 

From the moment delegates arrived, Sydney delivered an experience that was seamless, inspiring and distinctly world-class. Every aspect of the congress – from logistics and venue design to inclusivity and sustainability – reflected the city’s ability to bring large-scale international events to life with care and precision.  

“Everything we hoped for, Sydney delivered,” Nicolette said. “It’s not just ICC Sydney, it’s the whole Darling Harbour precinct. We’ve used boats, coaches, restaurants, and hotels. The maturity of Sydney’s supplier network is exceptional, and our delegates have been amazed.” 

Sustainability and inclusion were central to delivery. From digital programs and eco-friendly materials to partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander designers, every element reflected care and consciousness. “We wanted everything to be eco-friendly, even our satchels and signage,” Nicolette said. 
 
The congress program featured more than 200 speaker sessions and 370 research abstracts, representing an extraordinary exchange of ideas and best practices from around the world. BESydney’s support also enabled 35 travel scholarships for delegates from low- and middle-income countries to attend – ensuring the event was as inclusive as it was impactful. 

Beyond the sessions and plenaries, the congress created lasting change. 

Karen explained that one of the event’s greatest outcomes was the creation of a new Oceania Women’s Shelter Network, connecting organisations across the Pacific. “Every other region in the world has a women’s shelter network, but Oceania didn’t. Until now,” she said. 

Delegates from Tonga, Papua New Guinea and New Zealand spoke about the importance of regional collaboration. “We want to establish a Pacific network that includes NGOs, government and diaspora communities,” said one delegate. “This conference was the catalyst for that conversation.” 

The congress reinforced Sydney’s commitment to inclusion and purpose-led partnerships. Workshops explored ways technology can support women escaping violence, with examples of how artificial intelligence is being used to connect women to safe accommodation. “There’s real cross-fertilisation of ideas,” said Karen. “From banks to tech companies, everyone is learning from each other. And it’s all centred on empowering survivors.” 

For many delegates, the congress went beyond professional learning to leave a lasting personal impact. 

Across four remarkable days, Sydney offered inspiration both inside and outside the conference halls. “I’ve been on the board of a women’s refuge for almost 30 years, and this is the biggest conference I’ve ever been to,” said one delegate. “I’m really excited to be here with 1,200 other strong women doing remarkable work. The plenaries have been remarkable and moving in a way I didn’t anticipate.” 

A delegate from South Africa said the highlight was seeing 61 countries come together “sharing new practices in terms of connecting, challenging and changing.” She added, “When you get together on a platform like this, you just get the strength and tenacity to continue the work because you know you’re not alone, and that this is a global movement.”  

For BESydney, that’s what this congress was all about – uniting people and ideas to make a lasting difference. “We had a great workshop with BESydney and other partners to really think about what the social impact of the conference would be,” said Karen. “That process helped us identify legacy goals, including a strong First Nations presence and the creation of an Oceania women’s network.”