Melbourne, 30 April 2026 – From 27 to 30 April 2026, the global gender equality conference Women Deliver convened in Narrm (Melbourne), bringing together more than 6,500 advocates, policymakers, and activists from around the world. As one of the largest global gatherings on gender equality, the conference focused on addressing systemic inequality, strengthening collective action, and advancing a more inclusive and sustainable future.

The International Disability Alliance (IDA), together with its member organisations, played a key role in ensuring that the voices and leadership of women with disabilities were central to the discussions. IDA supported a delegation of 30 women with disabilities from Africa, Asia, the Pacific, Eastern Europe, and Latin America, reinforcing the importance of meaningful participation in global gender equality processes.

Throughout the conference, participants highlighted the multiple and intersecting barriers faced by women and girls with disabilities, including discrimination, limited access to essential services, inaccessible environments, and exclusion from decision-making. Discussions also addressed serious human rights concerns, such as forced sterilisation and forced contraception, underscoring the need to place disability inclusion at the heart of gender equality efforts.

Despite these challenges, the conference emphasized that women with disabilities are leaders and changemakers who continue to influence policies, advocate for reproductive justice, and advance human rights at national, regional, and global levels. Their leadership demonstrates that disability inclusion is fundamental to achieving gender justice.

As part of Women Deliver 2026, IDA also hosted a Disability Justice Consultation, bringing together Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) and allies to identify practical actions for advancing disability justice within the Women Deliver agenda. The consultation encouraged collaboration and explored ways to translate commitments into measurable action.

Women Deliver 2026 reaffirmed that meaningful participation of women with disabilities is essential to achieving inclusive and equitable societies. IDA and its partners, including the ASEAN Disability Forum (ADF), remain committed to strengthening collaboration and ensuring that disability justice continues to shape the global gender equality agenda.