UN Women Australia Chapters
UN Women Australia’s Chapters are the driving force behind our grassroots impact, giving their time and energy throughout the year to advance gender equality in communities across the country. From organising local fundraising events to running advocacy campaigns, our volunteers help extend the reach of UN Women’s mission far beyond what we could achieve alone. Each year, they also play a central role in bringing International Women’s Day to life locally, ensuring the conversation reaches communities nationwide. We remain deeply grateful for their tireless efforts, which continue to move the needle on gender equality in Australia and globally.
Brisbane
Over the past year, the 12-member Brisbane UN Women Australia Chapter has made a significant impact through a range of volunteer-led initiatives. The team played a pivotal role in preparing for the 2025 International Women’s Day (IWD) event at Brisbane City Hall, recruiting and training volunteers, promoting ticket sales, and sourcing prizes. On the day, members supported event operations, including set-up, guest welcome, raffle coordination, silent auction facilitation, and merchandise sales.
In August 2025, a Brisbane Chapter member spoke at St Hilda’s School She Leads Summit, empowering students to not wait for a title but to lead now with confidence, purpose, and humility.
The Chapter also contributed to the success of the Women’s Leadership Summit held in Brisbane in November 2025, advocating and fundraising for UN Women Australia across the two-day event. Members of the Brisbane Chapter also facilitated a workshop with Queensland Police and Emergency Services leaders on how gender stereotypes shape career decisions and behaviours. The workshop explored how leaders can use storytelling techniques to shift the narrative and combat gender stereotypes and bias.
Melbourne
The Melbourne Chapter had a successful 2025, highlighted by the smooth delivery of our International Women’s Day Luncheon. We also proudly volunteered at and attended the Women in Leadership Conference, where we sold merchandise and were inspired by a lineup of exceptional speakers. The baby onesies proved especially popular, and we’re excited to expand our merchandise range further in 2025! Our dedicated six-member volunteer team, whose tenures range from four to nine years, continues to bring valuable experience and passion to the chapter. Looking ahead, we’re eager to recruit new members to fill current vacancies and help us grow. With fresh energy and ideas, we look forward to planning even more engaging events in the year to come.
Perth
The UN Women Australia Perth Chapter, led by co-chairs Kerry Hill and Julia Weller, played an active role in advancing the mission of UN Women Australia throughout the year. The Chapter was instrumental in preparing for International Women’s Day 2025, supporting volunteer recruitment, recommending local speakers, and securing a pro-bono photographer for the event. On event day, Chapter members provided all-day support, assisting with event setup, running the raffle, facilitating games, and managing beverage and merchandise sales. Chapter members also represented UN Women Australia at the Marriott International Women’s Day event and the Soroptimists Afghanistan Refugee Awareness breakfast, further strengthening community engagement. In addition, the Perth Chapter had a strong presence at the the Women’s Leadership Summit in November.
Sydney
In 2025, the Sydney Chapter proudly supported UN Women Australia in advancing gender equality and empowering women and girls across the globe. We played a pivotal role in hosting the International Women’s Day fundraiser in Sydney, drawing over 1,500 people to the International Convention Centre under the theme “March Forward: For ALL Women and Girls.” Beyond the event itself, our team sold merchandise and secured prizes from local businesses, helping to maximise funds raised for the cause.
We also got moving for the cause. A local community member generously hosted and organised a Pilates class and a high-energy HIIT session in partnership with local businesses, with proceeds benefiting UN Women Australia. We joined in to speak, connect with participants, and celebrate the power of community-led fundraising, proving that building a more equitable future can be just as fun as it is meaningful.
Later in the year, through a partnership with the Australian Women’s Film Festival, we raised funds while spotlighting the voices and stories of women in film. Our participation in the Women in Leadership Summit further amplified awareness and generated much-needed support for UN Women Australia’s mission of fostering inclusive leadership.
Together, these initiatives reflect the passion and dedication of our Sydney Chapter in creating a more equitable future. We look forward to growing our community of champions across NSW and strengthening the impact of UN Women Australia’s work.
