Zonta representing NGO CSW Vienna at UNECE Beijing +30 Regional Review in Geneva
"𝘊𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥 𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘪𝘢𝘨𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘭𝘦𝘯 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥𝘩𝘰𝘰𝘥." Words by Fatima Maada Bio, First Lady of Sierra Leone and President of OAFLAD, highlighting the need for accountability and political will, resonated in every corner of the room.
As global leaders, advocates, civil society organizations, youth representatives and changemakers gathered for the Women Deliver 2026 Conference in Melbourne from 26–30 April 2026, Zonta International was proud to join the global conversation advancing gender equality and the human rights of women and girls.
Women Deliver is one of the world’s leading conferences focused on gender equality, bringing together voices from across sectors and regions to address pressing challenges, share solutions and strengthen collaboration. At a time when women and girls continue to face barriers to education, gender-based violence, humanitarian crises and unequal representation in leadership and decision-making, gatherings such as Women Deliver are critical in driving advocacy and action.
As a global civil society organization, Zonta International recognizes the importance of international dialogue and partnership in advancing lasting change. Participation in Women Deliver 2026 reflected Zonta’s ongoing commitment to supporting women’s rights, amplifying the voices of women and girls, and engaging in discussions that shape global policy and advocacy efforts.
Throughout the conference, Zonta representatives participated in sessions and discussions connected to Zonta’s mission areas, including ending gender-based violence, advancing education equality, supporting women in leadership and decision-making, and promoting gender-equal climate justice.
Sessions attended included:
- Girls Deliver Pre-Conference Ecosystem Realities Session – UNFPA.
- Private Briefing on Girls’ Education and Women’s Economic Participation in Afghanistan – UNICEF.
- “No Time to Lose: Scaling Solutions and Financing to End Child Marriage in Humanitarian Settings and Beyond” – UNFPA–UNICEF Global Programme to End Child Marriage.
These conversations highlighted the importance of sustained investment, partnership and advocacy to support women and girls worldwide, particularly those living in humanitarian and crisis-affected settings.
Women Deliver also provided an important space for reflection, learning and connection. The following reflections from Zonta representatives offer insight into the discussions, experiences and key themes that emerged throughout the conference.
As the global community continues working toward a more equal and inclusive future, Zonta International remains committed to ensuring that the voices and leadership of women and girls remain at the center of global conversations and action.
Click on the links below to learn about Zontians Bridget Mather's and Carole Theobald's reflections on the conference:
- Bridget Mather | LINK
- Carole Theobald| LINK
- Key Takeaways | LINK
04 June 2026