Background

The Women Deliver 2026 Conference (WD2026) will be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre in South Wharf (close to Southern Cross Station) from 27-30 April 2026. It is a bold, inclusive gathering of more than 6,500 advocates from across feminist, grassroots, First Nations, youth-led, LGBTQIA+, and women’s rights movements, alongside world leaders, creatives, private sector changemakers, academics, and media.

The tag line for the event is: “Together, we’ll strategize, resist, and build a future rooted in solidarity, justice, and joy.”

YACVic has secured some scholarships for young people to attend the conference to make it as easy, accessible and inclusive for you to join this awesome event!

Apply here

What's included

All registered participants will have access to:

  • The full WD2026 program: including Pre-Conferences, the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, Plenary and Concurrent Sessions, Side Events, the Exhibition Hall, Youth Zone, Culture Night, and more
  • Lunch on 28, 29, and 30 April 2026
  • Access to the WD2026 mobile app
  • A Conference tote bag 
  • Opportunities to network with thousands of global advocates

About you

  • A young person living in Victoria
  • Working or volunteering in a gender equity-based role/organisation
  • Aged between 12 – 29 years old

Delegates between the ages of 12 – 17 at the time of the Conference must be accompanied by a guardian, who will be provided one registration at no cost.

What you will get out of this opportunity

You will learn about key issues related to gender equity from leaders in the sector.

You will meet a lot of people who are working and volunteering in gender equity.

This is a voluntary opportunity, and you will not be paid to attend.

What the scholarship includes

The scholarships will be tailored to your circumstances and will cover up to $5,000 of expenses. It will look different for each delegate, depending on where you live and what will make the conference accessible for you, it might include:

  • Travel costs (fuel/train/taxi)
  •  Accommodation costs (hotels/ hostels or short stay accommodation)
  • Meals (some meals will be provided at the conference, and we will provide funds to cover other meals (for those who are travelling more than 150 KM or 2 hours out of Melbourne)
  • Accessibility
  • Childcare fees to attend on conference days

YACVic will help to pay for all advance expenses directly – for example hotels and transport.

You will be provided with an allowance/per diems to cover your additional meal expenses during your time at the conference.

Access and support

We want the conference to be accessible for you and so are keen to hear what support you might need. There is a section in the EOI form for you to highlight any specific access or support needs you might have.

YACVic will:

  • be available in the lead up to the conference to help with organising logistics (travel, accommodation etc).
  • provide a briefing session to talk through what to expect at the conference and to build your confidence.
  • be at the conference to help you to feel comfortable.
  • be available after the conference to help debrief and explore ways for you to think about how to make the most of what you got from the experience.

Plenary Sessions and Concurrent Sessions will include simultaneous interpretation in English, French, and Spanish. International Sign Language interpretation will be available in all Plenaries and select sessions.

Complementary Registration
  • If you are a person with a disability who requires a companion to travel with you, registration for one companion will be provided at no cost. 
  • Delegates between the ages of 12 – 17 at the time of the Conference must be accompanied by a guardian, who will be provided one registration at no cost. 

There is space on the EOI for you to request these.

Submit your Expression of Interest

To apply for this opportunity, please complete the registration form by 12pm Monday 30 March 2026.

We may close the opportunity early if all spots get filled.

Alternatively, you can send us your answers to the questions in writing, as an audio file or as a video (3 mins max), to Sam Champion (he/him), YACVic’s Participation & Development Manager at SChampion@YACVic.org.au.

The information you enter in the registration form will only be seen by the team working on this project and will not be shared. Please note, we may give you a call to discuss your application with you further.

Register now

Child Safety & Support

YACVic is a child safe organisation. By attending these events, you agree to join us in our commitment to child safety.

Contact & info

If you have any questions about this opportunity or want to discuss whether this opportunity is for you or if you'd like help to complete this form, please get in touch with Sam Champion (he/him), YACVic’s Participation & Development Manager at SChampion@YACVic.org.au or on 0438 072 200.

YACVic acknowledges the support of the Victorian Government.