Wesnet (Women’s Services Network Inc.) alongside the Global Network of Women’s Shelters (GNWS) announced Sydney, Australia, as the destination for the 5th World Conference of Women’s Shelters (5WCWS) from 15-18 September 2025.
It will be the first time the conference will be held in the Southern Hemisphere, at the International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney).
Anticipating over 1,000 participants from more than 100 countries, the 5WCWS is the world’s largest gathering dedicated to the cause of women’s shelters and ending gender-based violence.
The conference will feature a rich program of keynote speakers, workshops, and sessions aimed at fostering global collaboration and sharing of best practices in the fight against violence towards women and their children.
Karen Bentley, CEO of Wesnet, said: “The 5WCWS will give a massive boost to the common goal: to end all violence against women globally. Women’s shelters and women’s specialist services have been recognised as crucial to ending violence against women and girls and other forms of gender-based violence. The global exchange at these world conferences offers a unique opportunity to share knowledge and collaborate on a worldwide systematic approach and combating violence against women and their children and to increase the safety, independence and strength of women worldwide.“
As ICC Sydney CEO and Group Director – Convention Centres ASM Global (APAC) Geoff Donaghy said:“At ICC Sydney, corporate social responsibility is a cornerstone of our business management framework and we strive to deliver events that drive a positive social impact.“