The National Women’s Alliances play a key role in understanding the experiences and issues affecting women in Australia. They ensure their voices are central in the policy development process.
Six National Women’s Alliances collaborate with the Office for Women and Government to inform policy and decision making on the following priority areas:
- Women’s safety
- Women’s economic security and leadership
- Women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women
- Women living in rural, regional and remote areas of Australia
- Women with disability
The six National Women’s Alliances are funded by the Office for Women under the former Women’s Leadership and Development Program (WLDP), now known as the Working for Women Program. Further details on each Alliance and their work are below.
Evaluation of the National Women’s Alliances Model
In 2023, the Global Institute for Women’s Leadership at The Australian National University was commissioned by the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet to assess the suitability of the National Women’s Alliances model, in partnership with the Office for Women. The evaluation report examines the model’s suitability as a vehicle for bringing women’s voices to the Australian Government and inform policy development.
To find out more, visit the Evaluation of the National Women’s Alliance
National Women's Safety Alliance
The National Women’s Safety Alliance (NWSA) unites a diversity of voices, expertise and experience to inform and guide national policy on women’s safety. NWSA connects the sector, experts, government, and victim-survivors with a shared vision to end violence against women. This is achieved through consultation, research, and the collaborative development of expert policy advice to government.
To find out more, visit the National Women’s Safety Alliance website
Equality Rights Alliance
Equality Rights Alliance (ERA) is a network of non-government organisations and social enterprises. ERA and its members advocate for women’s rights, gender equality, affordable housing, women’s leadership and other government policy responses that support women’s diversity. ERA uses a range of methods to consult and engage with women from diverse life situations across Australia. It, works to bring their voices to policy makers to address issues of gender inequality.
To find out more visit the Equality Rights Alliance website
Harmony Alliance
Harmony Alliance provides a dedicated focus on the experiences and issues of migrant and refugee women in Australia. The principles of inclusion and representation are key to Harmony Alliance’s focus on enabling an effective voice for migrant and refugee women. They recognise the diversity of experiences in this significant and growing population in Australia. The Alliance empowers women to utilise their unique strengths. It provides evidence-based advice to policymakers and works collaboratively to inform the development of policy solutions that address systemic disadvantage.
To find out more visit the Harmony Alliance website
The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Women's Alliance
The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Women’s Alliance (NATSIWA) empowers Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women to have a stronger voice in the domestic and international policy advocacy process. In particular, the Alliance promotes the views and voices of women from marginalised and disadvantaged groups that have in the past found it difficult to engage in advocacy and decision making.
To find out more visit The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Women’s Alliance website
The National Rural Women's Coalition
The National Rural Women's Coalition (NRWA) provides a collaborative voice for women living in rural, remote and regional Australia. It represents a broad range of women, including those in regional towns, primary production, professional and businesswomen, Indigenous, young and elderly women. The organisation offers policy advice to government on matters relevant to the views and circumstances of rural women.
To find out more visit the National Rural Women's Coalition website
Women With Disabilities Australia
Women with Disabilities Australia (WWDA) represents women, feminine identifying and non-binary people with disabilities in Australia. WWDA seeks to support and empower individuals. It also creates greater awareness among governments and other relevant institutions about issues relating to women’s civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights.
To find out more visit the Women With Disabilities Australia website