National Women’s Safety Portfolio
NWSA is committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all women across Australia. By driving meaningful change through advocacy, collaboration, and education, the alliance works to address the root causes of gender-based violence and promote a culture of respect. Partnering with communities, organisations, and policymakers, it aims to create lasting solutions that prioritize women’s safety and empower them to live free from harm. Together, the alliance strives for a future where every woman feels safe, supported, and valued.
The National Women’s Safety Alliance leads the charge in creating a safer and more equitable environment for women and girls across Australia. It is dedicated to eradicating gender-based violence and ensuring that women can live free from fear and harm. The alliance engages with communities, professionals, and policymakers to develop evidence-based solutions that address the societal, cultural, and structural factors contributing to violence. With a focus on prevention, support services, and justice reforms, the alliance works to empower survivors, advocate for accountability, and drive systemic change. Its vision is a nation where safety, respect, and dignity are a reality for every woman.
National Women's Equality Porfolio
NWEA is dedicated to creating a society where gender equality is a reality. By advocating for systemic change, fostering opportunities, and empowering women to thrive, the alliance works to eliminate barriers to equal participation in all areas of life. Through collaboration with communities, organizations, and policymakers, it strives to ensure that women have equal access to resources, representation, and opportunities to succeed. Together, the alliance envisions a future built on equity, inclusion, and shared progress.
The National Women’s Equality Alliance champions the vision of a society where every woman has the opportunity to thrive, unencumbered by systemic barriers. Through advocacy, education, and collaboration, the alliance seeks to address gender inequalities in workplaces, communities, and institutions. It focuses on promoting equal representation in leadership, ensuring equitable access to education and resources, and dismantling stereotypes that perpetuate discrimination. By working closely with governments, organisations, and individuals, the alliance aims to shape policies and initiatives that advance equality. Its mission is to foster a future where every woman can contribute fully and confidently to a fair and inclusive world.
Governance
As announced by Senator the Hon. Katy Gallagher, Minister for Women, YWCA Canberra has been entrusted not only to continue delivering the impactful work of the National Women’s Safety Alliance (NWSA) but also to lead the newly established National Women’s Equality Alliance (NWEA) as part of the Working with Women Alliance program.
The Working with Women Alliance (WwWA) is governed by YWCA Canberra, with a strong underpinning governance framework. YWCA Canberra has been awarded the contract for the WwWA through funding from the Commonwealth Government.
The Governance committee comprises of the YWCA CEO (Chair) and 2 independent members (1 finance and risk skills, 1 gender economist)
Please see the attached documents relating to our structure and processes.
Gender inequality has far-reaching and lifelong consequences, shaping the economic security, safety, and well-being of people across Australia.
One in three Australians hold a negative bias about women’s ability to participate fully economically, politically or in education. These biases shape how women move through the world and mean that many are at serious risk of violence, housing insecurity and poverty.
Gender-based violence, homelessness, and poverty are deeply connected, creating cycles of disadvantage that disproportionately affect women and gender-diverse people. Experiences of gender inequality increase the risk of poverty, limit opportunities to escape and recover from violence, contribute to housing insecurity and homelessness, and result in lower superannuation balances and reduced financial stability in retirement.
This election platform highlights the urgent need for policies that address these interlinked issues by prioritising economic security, housing stability, and the prevention of gender-based violence. Economic equality is not only a fundamental right but also a critical tool in reducing the prevalence and impact of gender-based violence. By ensuring access to secure employment, fair wages, financial independence, and safe, affordable housing, Australia can create pathways to long-term safety, stability, and equality for all.
The Working with Women Alliance supports the election platforms and advocacy calls from the National Women’s Alliances to ensure that the Australian Government works for a better future for all women and gender-diverse people in Australia. We know that many of the issues we highlight in this platform are more pronounced for women with disabilities, migrant and refugee women, First Nations women and women in rural and remote parts of Australia. Policy responses must be designed with these women in mind.
This platform outlines key policy recommendations and commitments that will drive meaningful change, ensuring that no one is forced to choose between poverty and violence. Addressing these intersections is essential to building a fairer, safer, and more equitable Australia.
Read our full 2025 Election Platform here.