Women ACT (Australian Capital Territory)
Women ACT is the ACT Government's new online information service for women and girls. It brings together the Office for
Women and Women's Information Referral Centre websites and includes an enhanced Women's Service Directory.
Office for Women's Policy (New South Wales)
The Office for Women's Policy is located in the Policy Development Division of the Department of Premier
and Cabinet. The Office provides leadership in promoting outcomes for women in NSW through policy development and working
with other agencies, non-government organisations and inter-governmental networks. The Office has recently taken on
responsibility for a new Violence Prevention Coordination Unit to lead and coordinate government policy in relation to
prevention of domestic and family violence.
Office of Women's Policy (Northern Territory)
The Office of Women's Policy in the Northern Territory is the Government's central coordination, monitoring and reporting
agency for women's issues and oversees the development and implementation of the Government's Policy Framework for women.
Office for Women (Queensland)
The Office for Women is part of the Queensland Government and plays a central role in carrying out the
government's vision for the women of Queensland. Through our policy work and program delivery, we aim to promote and encourage
the rights of all Queensland women - across cultures, socio-economic backgrounds and age groups. At the core of our work is the
ongoing challenge to remove the barriers that stop women from fully participating in society.
Office for Women (South Australia)
The Office for Women works toward achieving gender equity and positive change for women in South Australia by collaborating
across government and the community.
Women Tasmania
Women have an important role to play in shaping social policy. Women Tasmania in the Department's
Community Development Division works to ensure women can be engaged in all aspects of society, and to ensure that
Government policies, programs and projects are responsive to the needs of women and representative of their views.
Women Tasmania has a policy focus on family and community safety, leadership and participation, and women in work and
education. It works in partnership with the community sector, Government agencies and business to achieve practical
improvements in the lives of Tasmanian women.
Office of Women's Policy (Victoria)
The Office of Women's Policy works to improve the quality of life for all Victorian
women and to create a community where women contribute, have their voices heard, are represented
equally, and are respected and valued as citizens. The Office of Women's Policy works to reduce
or eliminate this disparity by developing and informing Victorian Government policies, practices
and programs that impact women and their families. It also undertakes specific projects and works
to represent and promote the interests, views and achievements of Victorian women.
Office for Women's Policy (Western Australia)
The Office for Women's Policy (OWP) works to improve the status of women in Western Australia by providing
sound policy advice to government based on evidence, quality research and community consultation. The WA Government has
committed to listen, acknowledge and address the concerns of women when planning and developing policy and services. We
recognise the rich diversity of women across the broadest spectrum - including age, ethnicity, ability, sexual orientation
and geographic location. As such, we strive to adopt an inclusive approach to policy development.
Australian Baha'is
The central theme of the Baha'i Faith is that humanity is one family and the time has come for its
unification into a peaceful global society. Australian Baha'is are people from many different backgrounds and
walks of life who worship, consult and serve together as equals.
Australian Breastfeeding Association
The Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA) is an organisation of people interested in the promotion
and protection of breastfeeding. Amongst these are breastfeeding women and their partners and health
professionals such as doctors, lactation consultants and midwives. Contact details for State & Territory
branches of the ABA, along with contact details for State/Territory Breastfeeding Helplines, are available
from the national office or via the national website.
Australian Business Women's Network
The Australian Businesswomen's Network provides business education for women across Australia and facilitates opportunities
for them to network, learn and be inspired by role models and by each other.
Australian Church Women
Australian Church Women is an umbrella organization of Christian Church women's groups throughout
Australia that aims to provide opportunities for women from different denominations to worship, study and serve the community together.
Australasian Council of Women and Policing Inc.
The Australasian Council of Women and Policing is working to improve policing for women. It was established
in August 1997 and is a growing group of women and men within police services and the community who are
working together to: improve the policing services provided to women; improve the opportunities and
outcomes for women within policing; and participate in the global network of women in policing.
Australian Federation of Medical Women
AFMW was formed in 1927. AFMW exists to offer our members, colleagues and the community
access to the collective knowledge and experiences of medical women and ensure equity and equality for
women doctors to achieve their potential throughout all stages of their professional lives. AFMW is a not for
profit, politically neutral, non sectarian, non government organisation.
Australian Federation of University Women
AFUW is the voice of graduate women promoting the advancement of women worldwide and their equality of
opportunity through initiatives in education, friendship and peace.
Australian Federation of Women's International Zionist Organisations
WIZO is a non-party international movement dedicated to the advancement of the status of women, welfare of all sectors of
Israeli society and encouragement of Jewish education in Israel and the Diaspora.
Australian Lactation Consultants' Association (ALCA Ltd)
ALCA is the only national, non-profit, incorporated professional association for Australian International
Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs/LCs). In over a decade, ALCA has made a significant
contribution towards its fundamental goal: the protection, promotion and support of breastfeeding
as the optimal choice for both infant and maternal health. ALCA is an affiliate of the International
Lactation Consultant Association (ILCA), which has official Non-Government Organisation (NGO) status
within the World Health Organisation.
Australian Local Government Women's Association
State Branches of the Australian Local Government Women's Association are federated through a common National
Constitution with the National Board. The National Board represents the association at the National level and
arranges and conducts a national conference very second year. At each national conference a new board is
elected for the next two years.
Australian National Committee on Refugee Women (ANCORW)
ANCORW is a lobbying, advocacy and research group which works with and for refugee women and
their families in order to bring about change in the refugee system and to enhance their ability
to rebuild their lives. ANCORW regards refugee issues as human rights issues. Empowerment and
the full achievement of all human rights for refugee women and their children is equally as
important as protection. At the national level, ANCCORW, lobbies for changes in domestic law,
social policy and for improved service provision.
Australian Nursing Federation (ANF)
The Australian Nursing Federation (ANF) was established in 1924. The ANF is the national union for
nurses and the largest professional nursing organisation in Australia. The ANF's core business is
the industrial and professional representation of nurses and nursing through the activities of
a national office and branches in every State and Territory.
Australian Reproductive Health Alliance
The Australian Reproductive Health Alliance's mission is to promote public support for enhanced
reproductive and sexual health in Australia and internationally, and promote the advancement of
the status of women and girls.
Australian Virtual Centre for Women and the Law (AVCWL)
The Australian Virtual Centre for Women and the Law is a purpose built facility which makes it easy
to establish and manage highly functional email lists for large scale community development purposes.
While this facility could be used for virtually any community development purpose, our aims are to
take major strides in: promoting women's legal equality in Australia; and promoting women's use of
a range of computer mediated communication tools. AVCWL focuses strongly on full participation by
those in regional, rural and remote Australia.
Australian Women and Real Estate
AWARE was established in November 2000 to assist women in real estate, both as workers in the real
estate industry, and as purchasers and sellers of property.
Australian Women In Agriculture
Australian Women In Agriculture is committed to promoting the profile of women in agriculture. As
Australia's peak organization for agricultural women, members are part of a committed and dedicated
network involved in the development of Australian primary production, rural industries and communities.
Australian Women Lawyers
Australian Women Lawyers (AWL) is the peak body for women lawyers associations throughout Australia.
Australian Women Pilots' Association
Australian Women Pilots' Association is organised on a statewide basis, with a national executive
committee to promote women's involvement in aviation from aero clubs to airlines.
Australian Women's Coalition Inc
The National Council of Women of Australia instigated the formation of the Australian Women's
Coalition by drawing together women's organisations which will work cooperatively together to
establish priorities for women and to increase communication between Government and the women of Australia.
Australian Women's Health Network
The Australian Women's Health Network (AWHN) is the peak organisation for women's health in Australia. AWHN
is a not-for-profit network run primarily by volunteers to maintain and advance a national voice on women's health through
advocacy and information sharing. AWHN is an umbrella organisation for State and Territory Women's Health Networks, and other
national organisations which embrace its objectives and philosophy.
Australian Women's Motorsport Network
The Australian Women's Motorsport Network Inc ('AWMN') was launched in March 2001, as a need was seen
for a support network for the growing number of women involved in all aspects of motorsport, from fans
to competitors... and for women who currently work in, or plan a career in the automotive industry.
The AWMN's mission is to encourage more women to become involved in these male-dominated fields, as
they are areas where women can, and do, compete on an equal basis if given encouragement and
opportunities... and to help increase the power and respect of the many talented and determined
women who are already involved.
Breast Cancer Network Australia
Breast Cancer Network Australia's role is to empower, inform, represent and link together Australians personally
affected by breast cancer. It is driven by women who have themselves experienced breast cancer.
Business and Professional Women Australia
BPW is the Voice of Women in the Workforce that educates and informs women, undertaking research
and projects aimed at making a positive difference for women. BPW lobbies governments at all levels
including at the United Nations, where it holds Special Category Status, on current and emerging
issues of importance to women.
Catholic Women's League of Australia Inc.
CWLA is a non-government organisation (NGO) of 8000 women Australia-wide. In our objectives
we aim to protect the interests and concerns of Australian Catholic women by conveying matters
relevant to social justice, women and the family, to the Church, Government and community.
Children by Choice
Children by Choice is committed to promoting women's sexual and reproductive health choices in relation to
unplanned pregnancy. Our goals are:
Coalition Against Trafficking in Women Australia (CATWA)
The aim of CATWA aim is to promote awareness that prostitution is sexual violence against women and bring
an end to the sex industry. CATWA promotes a recognition that all forms of trafficking and sexual exploitation
are an abuse of universal human rights and constitute severe discrimination. CATWA is organised to bring
international attention to all forms of sexual exploitation, including trafficking in women, prostitution,
pornography, sex tourism, mail order bride-selling, incest and rape.
Country Women's Association of Australia
The CWA aims to improve the conditions for country women and children and tries to make life better
for women and their families, especially those women living in rural and remote Australia. CWA is self-funded,
non party political and non-sectarian.
Females in Information Technology and Telecommunications (FITT)
Females in Information Technology and Telecommunications (FITT) is a network of women who have come
together to encourage and support women and girls who want to reach their full potential in the
information technology and telecommunications (IT&T) industry.
Foundation for Australian Agricultural Women
The Foundation for Australian Agricultural Women is an independent non-profit
organisation whose mission is to resource, empower, research, influence and partner for the benefit of rural women.
Guides Australia
Guides provide a non-formal education program that is a dynamic, flexible and values-based
training in life skills, decision making and leadership. It is run by trained volunteer leaders
committed to helping girls and young women grow into confident, self-respecting, responsible
community members.
Home Birth Australia
Home Birth Australia is a group of consumers and midwives committed to ensuring the survival of
homebirth as a birth option for Australian women, with the overall aim of public funded homebirth
across the country.
International Women's Development Agency
International Women's Development Agency is an Australian non-government organisation working with
women in developing countries to support their efforts to improve their life choices and those of
their families and communities, and to advance women's human rights. We focus on groups of women
that are particularly marginalised or suffer poverty or oppression.
Jessie Street National Women's Library
We are a specialist library that collects, preserves, and promotes the awareness of the literary
and cultural heritage of Australian women.
Maternity Coalition
The Maternity Coalition Inc. (MC) is a national non-profit, non-political and non-sectarian
consumer advocacy organisation. MC acts as an umbrella organisation to bring together support
groups and individuals for effective lobbying, information sharing, networking and support in
maternity services. MC believes in the importance of women uniting their efforts and sharing
skills and resources to achieve beneficial changes in the health care system in the interests
of improving birthing services.
Mothers Union of Australia
The objectives of the Mothers Union of Australia include: to uphold Christ's teaching on
the nature of marriage and to promote its wider understanding; and to encourage parents to
bring up their children in the faith and life of the Church.
National Association of Services Against Sexual Violence (NASASV)
The National Association of Services Against Sexual Violence comprises organisations and workers
across Australia responsible for the provision of services to victim/survivors of sexual violence.
NASASV is strongly committed to informing Commonwealth, State and Territory governments on issues
relevant to sexual violence against women and children. It is equally committed to strengthening
its philosophical base and enhancing management and service models across Australia. A further aim
of the Association is to facilitate mutual support for Service providers and organisations. The
Association ensures continuing communication and advocacy at a National level in pursuit of high
quality service provision to victim/survivors of sexual violence, with an ultimate goal of the
elimination of sexual violence in the community.
National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC)
The National Association of Women in Construction's (NAWIC) mission is to promote and improve the
construction industry by the advancement of women within it.
National Breast Cancer Foundation
The National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) is Australia's only national not-for-profit foundation established
to promote and support research into every aspect of breast cancer. In partnership with the Australian community
the National Breast Cancer Foundation is leading the pursuit for new knowledge in the prevention, diagnosis and
treatment of breast cancer. The purpose of the National Breast Cancer Foundation is to: support and promote
excellent research into breast cancer; facilitate consumer participation in all aspects of our work; act as
an advocate for breast cancer research; and provide opportunities for all Australians to contribute to breast
cancer research.
National Council of Jewish Women of Australia
The National Council of Jewish Women of Australia (Inc.) (NCJWA) is a non-profit, tax-exempt, voluntary,
national Jewish women's organisation. NCJW represents Australian Jewish women and presents their views,
needs, interests and concerns to Federal and State governments, politicians, media, other organisations
and communal sectors.
National Council of Single Mothers & Their Children
The National Council for Single Mothers and their Children (NCSMC) is a self help group to fight
for the basic and essential rights of all sole parent families. The NCSMC was formed to act as a
national voice for the existing network of state based councils in Australia.
National Council of Women of Australia
The National Council of Women of Australia is an umbrella organisation with which are affiliated
seven State and Territory National Councils of Women. Each State and Territory Council has affiliated
with it a number of women's organisations with a wide diversity of aims and goals, but the common linkage
is to improve the status of and conditions for women and their families in Australia.
National Foundation For Australian Women
The NFAW aims to advance and protect the interests of Australian women and to ensure the aims,
ideals and the collective wisdom of the women's movement are handed on to new generations of women.
National Organisation of Women Students Australia (NOWSA)
The National Organisation of Women Students Australia (NOWSA) was first formed in 1987 based on the
ideals of building a grassroots, independent and autonomous network of women students. The first NOWSA
Conference was held in Brisbane in 1988 and over the years has grown to become a key event on the feminist
annual calendar. It is a women only conference hosted by a different university in Australia each year.
National Rural Women's Coalition (NRWC)
The NRWC is a collaborative, national voice for rural women in Australia. It consults widely to
bring the views and experiences of women in rural communities to the Australian Government. Members
of the NRWC are national rural and women's organisations and an Indigenous woman.
National Women's Justice Coalition
The NWJC is a coalition of organisations and individuals which aims to promote women's equality
before the law in Australia.
Older Women's Network (OWN) Australia
The NWJC is a coalition of organisations and individuals which aims to promote women's equality
before the law in Australia. No Website. Ph: 02 9428 2905
Ordination of Catholic Women
We are a national group of women and men who advocate the ordination of women into a renewed priestly
ministry in the Catholic church.
Pan Pacific and South East Asia Women's Association of Australia Inc
Pan Pacific and South East Asia Women's Association of Australia Inc
PPSEAWA is a non-profit international women's association devoted to peace and understanding
in the Asia Pacific Region, strengthening the cause of peace by fostering friendships and the
exchange of knowledge among women in the Asia Pacific Region for the study and betterment of
social,economic and cultural conditions.
Penguin Club of Australia
Penguin Club Groups throughout Australia assist women to develop skills in public speaking, chairmanship
and meeting procedure. The Penguin Club is a training club. It offers opportunities for women to improve
communication skills and build self-confidence.
Playgroup Australia
Playgroup Australia is the national peak and administrative body for playgroup in Australia.
The mission of Playgroup Australia to promote playgroup participation for every family with young children.
Project Respect
Project Respect is an Australian non-government organisation which challenges exploitation of and
violence against women in the sex industry. Project Respect conducts outreach and offers services
to women in brothels especially where there is a high concentration of women from non-English
speaking backgrounds. We have a particular focus on women trafficked to Australia for prostitution,
and other women experiencing harm and violence within the sex industry. We undertake advocacy and
public education, and collaborate closely with partners in trafficking 'sending countries', particularly
in the Asia-Pacific. We are committed to global solutions to the problem of violence against women in the
sex industry, and work closely with regional and international organisations and networks addressing
sexual exploitation.
Radical Women
This trailblazing socialist feminist organization is the revolutionary wing of the women's movement and
a strong feminist voice within the Left. Immersed in the daily fight against racism, sexism, homophobia,
and labor exploitation, Radical Women views women's leadership as decisive to world revolution and trains
new women to take their place in the forefront of the struggle. RW is an autonomous, all-women's group,
affiliated with the Freedom Socialist Party on the basis of mutual respect, solidarity, and shared socialist
feminist ideals.
SCOPE
SCOPE is an all-Australian Women's Community Service Club. Women of all ages and from all walks of life
make up the membership. Women can join SCOPE for no other reason than simply to make new friends.
Security4Women (S4W)
Security4Women (S4W) investigates the issues that impact on the lifelong economic well being of
Australian women. We believe that long term economic wellbeing empowers women to make choices and it
enriches all aspects of our lives including education, health, employment, safety and financial wellbeing.
S4W is one of the four National Women's Secretariats funded by the Office for Women.
Sisters Inside
Sisters Inside Inc. is an independent community organisation, which exists to advocate for the human rights
of women in the criminal justice system and to address gaps in the services available to them. We work
alongside women in prison in determining the best way to fulfill these roles.
UNIFEM Australia Inc
The United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) is a non-profit organisation dedicated to
righting the balance. UNIFEM was created as the Voluntary Fund for the United Nations Decade for
Women. Since 1976, UNIFEM has worked to help improve the living standards of women in developing
countries and to address their concerns. The objectives for which UNIFEM Australia Inc is established are:
Education; Government Contributions; and Resource Mobilisation.
Union of Australian Women
The UAW is a national organisation, formed in 1950 to work for the status and well-being of women in a
peaceful and environmentally safe world.
United Muslim Women's Association
The vision of the United Muslim Women Association is to provide Australian Muslim women with the
opportunities to enable them to actively participate in and contribute to Australia's culturally
and religiously diverse society.
Voice Interest and Education of Women (VIEW)
The Smith Family established VIEW in 1960 for the purpose of promoting the Voice, Interest and
Education of Women. Today, VIEW has continued as an organisation with a twofold purpose: to
provide a support network for women to meet in friendship and to support the work of The Smith Family.
Women Chiefs of Enterprises International (WCEI)
Women Chiefs of Enterprises International (WCEI) was founded in Australia in 1985, as a non-profit
professional organisation for women entrepreneurs. The organisation recognises local and global
environmental and social issues and is committed to the concept that women are well suited to
offer solutions to these issues.
Women in Adult and Vocational Education (WAVE)
WAVE is an active feminist network of support, stimulation, sharing and communication for all
women in adult education and vocational training in Australia. We support and build connections
between women as teachers and learners at local, community, state, national, and international
levels. WAVE works for the advancement and empowerment of women in adult education and vocational
training through networking, lobbying and advocacy.
Women in Engineering
Women in Engineering groups are a forum for members to meet and exchange information and ideas. The
National Women in Engineering Committee is a vehicle to promote an inclusive engineering culture that
values a range of skills and knowledge.
Women in Science Enquiry Network -WISENET
WISENET was established to increase women's participation in the sciences and to link people in
different branches of science and those working towards a more participatory and socially useful science.
Women in Super
Women in Super is a national network of women associated with the superannuation industry. Women in
Super has four prime objectives: to voice the superannuation needs of women in the community and the
industry; to provide education and training support to women in the industry and the community; to
Increase the number of women on trustee boards; and to provide women in the industry with an opportunity
to develop broader business and personal networks.
Women Into Politics
A coalition of women's organizations and individual women working towards dramatically increasing the
numbers of women at all levels of public life and towards making our public institutions more
representative and democratic.
Australian Womensport & Recreation Association
The mission of Womensport is to develop and support the aims of women in all aspects of sport and
recreation. The roles of Womensport include: organising participation programs for women; undertaking research;
sharing information; providing advice and support; facilitating communication; lobbying; and encouraging more
women to participate in all aspects of sport and physical recreation.
Women With Disabilities Australia (WWDA)
Women With Disabilities Australia (WWDA) is the peak organisation for women with all types of
disabilities in Australia. It is a federating body of individuals and networks in each State and
Territory of Australia and is made up of women with disabilities and associated organisations.
WWDA is run by women with disabilities, for women with disabilities. It is the only organisation
of its kind in Australia and one of only a very small number internationally. WWDA is unique,
in that it operates as a national disability organisation; a national women's organisation; and
a national human rights organisation. The aim of Women With Disabilities Australia (WWDA) is to
be a national voice for the needs and rights of women with disabilities and a national force to
improve the lives and life chances of women with disabilities.
Women's Action Alliance
Women's Action Alliance is a volunteer organisation with active representation in each State and Territory
of Australia. Our aims are twofold: to raise the status of women in the Australian community; to strengthen
Australian families as the basis of our society.
Women's Australian Travel League Inc. (WATL)
The Women's Australian Travel League Inc. (WATL) is a professional travel and tourism industry organization.
The main objectives are to provide business, educational and social networking opportunities for members and
their guests. WATL is a non-profit organization committed to providing a professional travel and tourism
industry forum, based on national and global exchange of business, ideas and education, for members'
personal and professional development.
Women's Electoral Lobby Australia
WEL Australia is a national independent political organisation dedicated to creating a society where
women's participation and potential are unrestricted, acknowledged and respected and where women and
men share equally in society's responsibilities and rewards.
Women's Industry Network for the Seafood Community (WINSC)
Women's Industry Network for the Seafood Community (WINSC) is a non-profit, independent organisation run
by and for women to illustrate and promote the vital role that women play in the fishing industry - from
researchers to deckhands, processors to fishers. The Women's Industry Network Seafood Community is a
nationally recognised body that is responsible for linking together women of the fishing and seafood
industry from around Australia.
Women's International League for Peace and Freedom
Founded in 1915, the Women's International League for Peace & Freedom (WILPF) empowers women to work
effectively for peace and justice in every Australian state and territory, and in 45 countries around
the world. WILPF women stand for: political solutions to international conflicts; disarmament; the promotion
of women to full and equal participation in all society's activities; the respect of fundamental human rights
and the right to development in a sustainable environment; economic justice within and among states; and
the elimination of racism and all forms of discrimination.
Women's Network Australia
Women's Network Australia is a membership-based organisation that empowers and encourages
women to reach their full potential in business. The organisation offers a balanced range of
membership activities which are supported by educational services including workshops, seminars
and consulting services.
Women's Services Network (WESNET)
Established in 1992, the Women's Services Network (WESNET) is a national women's peak advocacy body
which works on behalf of women and children who are or have experienced domestic and family violence.
WESNET represents a range of organisations and individuals including women's refuges, safe houses and
information/ referral services. Through its Canberra based National Office and Secretariat, and via its
large national network of members and associate members, WESNET plays an important role in identifying
unmet needs, canvassing new and emerging issues, facilitating policy and sector debate and lobbying
government to provide improved responses to the problem of domestic and family violence within our
community, in partnership with non-government stakeholders.
WomenSpeak Network
The WomenSpeak Network includes many national women's organisations. We also include national organisations
with a specific focus on the impacts on women of policy and service delivery and where there is no national
organisation in an area state based organisations or expert individuals. The WomenSpeak Network is one of
four networks of women's organisations funded by the Commonwealth Office for Women to work together to
provide representative advice to the government on policy issues, development and implementation and to
act as a conduit for the exchange of information between the Government and the women's sector.
YWCA of Australia
The vision of the YWCA of Australia is of a fully inclusive world where peace, justice, freedom, human dignity,
reconciliation and diversity are promoted and sustained through women's leadership. The YWCA of Australia is
a women's membership organisation nourished by its roots in the Christian faith and sustained by the richness
of many beliefs and values. Strengthened by diversity the YWCA draws together members who strive to create
opportunities for growth, leadership and empowerment in order to attain a common vision: peace, justice,
freedom and dignity for all people.
Zonta International
Zonta International is a worldwide service organization of executives in business and the professions
working together to advance the status of women.
Women's Information & Referral Centre (Australian Capital Territory)
Women's Information & Referral Service (WIRS) (New South Wales)
Women's Information Service (WIS) (South Australia)
Women's Information and Referral Service (Tasmania)
WIRE-Women's Information (Victoria)
WIRE-Women's Information (Victoria)
Rural Women's Network (Victoria)
Women's Information Service (WIS) (Western Australia)
Alice Springs Women's Information Centre: No website. Phone: (08) 8951 5880
If you would like to update the details of a listing, or if you would like to add a new listing, please email Women With Disabilities Australia (WWDA)
This site was developed by Carolyn Frohmader for Women With Disabilities Australia.