Women Deliver has called for a rethink of how global systems distribute power and resources as International Women’s Day 2026 approaches under the theme “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls”.
The organisation’s chief executive, Maliha Khan, said the world is facing mounting pressure on gender equality, with political shifts and funding changes affecting rights and services in many countries. She pointed to what she described as growing authoritarian and far right movements, rollbacks in sexual and reproductive health and rights, shrinking civic space and the sudden withdrawal of funding that communities rely on.
Khan argued that the current international development model remains heavily concentrated in a small number of donor governments and institutions, largely based in the Global North. Decisions on funding and priorities are often made far from the communities affected, she said, leaving essential services vulnerable when donor agendas change.
Health, education and sexual and reproductive health and rights programmes are often among the first to face cuts when political or financial priorities shift. According to Women Deliver, this exposes structural weaknesses in a system that depends on a narrow funding base.
Khan said increasing funding alone will not resolve these challenges. Instead, she called for stronger national accountability, with governments taking responsibility for delivering basic services and upholding human rights. She also urged donors and global institutions to examine how their funding choices influence national priorities, particularly where these may not align with the concerns of local civil society.
In response to these concerns, Women Deliver and its partners have convened consultations across Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, Europe, Australia and Asia. The aim is to develop what they describe as a Feminist Playbook, a collective declaration setting out a shared vision for justice alongside practical commitments.
The Playbook is still being shaped, but early discussions have focused on shifting decision making closer to communities and challenging systems that concentrate power among wealthier governments and a limited group of donors. Participants have called for lived experience to be recognised as expertise and for local civil society groups to have greater access to resources and influence.
States are expected to be urged to meet their human rights obligations, while donors and international institutions are being asked to align funding more closely with national leadership and grassroots priorities. Organisations across sectors are also being encouraged to commit to measurable actions.
The Women Deliver 2026 Conference, scheduled for April in Narrm, Melbourne, is set to bring together around 6,500 participants from more than 170 countries. Organisers say the event will provide an opportunity to debate, refine and launch the Playbook, with governments, donors and civil society groups invited to sign up to specific commitments.
Supporters of the initiative argue that recent political and funding volatility has exposed the fragility of existing systems and highlighted the need for more resilient, locally grounded approaches. Critics of large scale reform efforts often question whether global declarations translate into practical change, particularly in the absence of binding enforcement mechanisms.
Women Deliver maintains that the consultation process will continue beyond the conference, with a focus on accountability and follow through. Khan said International Women’s Day should serve as a reminder of what is at stake for girls, women and gender diverse people, and as a prompt for governments and funders to turn public commitments into policy and practice.
Registrations for the Women Deliver 2026 Conference are now open. Further details are available on the organisation’s website.
Support independent community journalism. Support The Indian Sun.
Follow The Indian Sun on X | Instagram | Facebook
Support Independent Community Journalism
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun exists for one reason: to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We report on local councils, state politics, small businesses and cultural festivals. We focus on the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural community with care, balance and accountability. We publish in print and online, send regular newsletters and produce video content. We also run media training programs to help community organisations share their own stories.
We operate independently.
Community journalism does not have the backing of large media corporations. Advertising revenue fluctuates. Platform algorithms change. Costs continue to rise. Yet the need for credible, grounded reporting in a multicultural Australia has never been greater.
When you support The Indian Sun, you support:
• Independent reporting on issues affecting migrant communities
• Coverage of local and state decisions that shape daily life
• A platform for small businesses and community groups
• Media training that builds skills within the community
• Journalism accountable to readers
We cannot cover everything, but we work to cover what matters.
If you value thoughtful reporting that reflects Australia’s diversity, we invite you to contribute. Every donation helps us maintain the quality and consistency of our work.
Please consider making a contribution today.
Thank you for your support.
The Indian Sun Team
