Australia is at a pivotal moment for advancing gender equity. Public attention is growing across issues including gender-based violence, economic inequality, reproductive rights and women’s leadership, creating renewed pressure to turn commitments into action.
This momentum is building as Australia prepares to host the global Women Deliver Conference in April 2026 – one of the world’s most significant global gatherings focused on gender equality, women’s and girls’ rights, and intersectional justice.
Applying a gender lens is critical. A gender lens helps us understand the distinct barriers women and girls face – shaped by power, culture and systems – and recognises that addressing gender inequality delivers benefits that extend far beyond individuals, strengthening families, communities and economies.
Here are six gender equity organisations representing meaningful pathways for Fundholders to support gender equity in Australia – strengthening systems, amplifying under‑represented voices and contributing to lasting change.
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Fair Agenda: Advancing gender equity through national advocacy and policy reform
📍National
Fair Agenda is a national campaigning organisation working to advance gender equity and ensure safety, dignity, and justice for women and gender‑diverse people in Australia. With a 43,000-strong member base, Fair Agenda drives strategic, community-powered advocacy to secure policy reform across women’s safety, reproductive rights, and gender justice.
Why we recommend: Fair Agenda has a proven track record of achieving legislative and systems reform on issues affecting women at scale. This includes campaigns that have blocked almost $1 billion in proposed cuts to parental leave and secured government support for a national action plan and overhaul of university responses to sexual violence.
For funders seeking to support high-leverage advocacy and national systems change in gender justice.
Mura Kosker Sorority: Strengthening First Nations women’s leadership through culture and care
📍Torres Strait
Mura Kosker Sorority is a First Nations, not‑for‑profit organisation advocating for human rights and improving family and kinship wellbeing across the Torres Strait. Initially established to address education and health issues affecting women and families, Mura Kosker is now a trusted service provider across 18 remote island communities.
Why we recommend: Mura Kosker Sorority delivers First Nations-led, place-based and culturally safe support in a chronically under-serviced region. Despite unstable government funding and significant service gaps, the organisation has provided trusted, community‑driven support for more than 30 years – playing a critical role in improving safety and wellbeing outcomes across the Torres Strait.
For funders seeking to support women-founded, grassroots, First Nations‑led initiatives that strengthen safety and wellbeing in remote communities and complement essential but under‑resourced government services.
Jean Hailes for Women’s Health: Improving women’s health outcomes through evidence‑based education and care
📍National
Jean Hailes for Women’s Health is a national not‑for‑profit dedicated to empowering women across Australia to enjoy their best health and wellbeing at every life stage. Founded on the belief that when women are healthy, families, communities and society benefit, the organisation works to ensure gender does not determine health outcomes.
Why we recommend: Jean Hailes is a highly trusted organisation that removes barriers to health equity through inclusive, multilingual, and culturally informed resources. By combining clinical care, education, research translation, and advocacy, the organisation influences women’s health outcomes at the individual, community, and system levels.
For funders seeking to support an established national organisation delivering evidence-based health information and clinical care.
Women’s Environmental Leadership Australia (WELA): Putting women and gender‑diverse leadership at the forefront of climate solutions
📍National
Women’s Environmental Leadership Australia (WELA) works to remove barriers to women’s leadership to create a safer future where people and the planet can thrive. International evidence shows that women’s leadership leads to stronger environmental outcomes, yet women remain under‑represented in environmental decision‑making in Australia. WELA designs and delivers leadership programs by and for women and gender‑diverse changemakers, building the skills, networks and confidence needed to accelerate positive environmental and climate action.
Why we recommend: WELA occupies a uniquely powerful space at the intersection of gender equity and environmental leadership, supporting more collaborative, community‑responsive approaches essential to climate solutions.
For funders seeking to back a national organisation that advances gender equity while strengthening environmental and climate leadership at a systemic level.
Women of Colour Australia (WoCA): Building power, safety, and visibility for women of colour
📍 National
Women of Colour Australia (WoCA) is a national not‑for‑profit founded in 2020 and led by Women of Colour. The organisation is dedicated to advancing leadership, wellbeing and systemic inclusion for women of colour across Australia through education programs, community initiatives and advocacy. WoCA works to create culturally safe leadership pathways, strengthen representation, and address deep-seated inequities that are well-documented yet significantly underfunded.
Why we recommend: WoCA is one of the few national, women‑led organisations directly addressing the systemic barriers faced by women of colour. The organisation delivers impact at both individual and national levels, challenging inequity while building leadership and collective power.
For funders seeking to support a small, high‑impact organisation driving long‑term systems change and leadership development for women of colour.
Teach Us Consent: Empowering young people to understand consent, respect, and healthy relationships
📍 National
Teach Us Consent is a national, youth‑led not‑for‑profit organisation dedicated to preventing sexual violence by centering consent, respect and empathy in sex and relationships education. Founded in 2021 as a grassroots movement, it has become a leading force in consent‑education reform across Australia.
Why we recommend: Teach Us Consent is transforming Australia’s approach to preventing sexual violence by empowering young people and influencing national policy. The organisation provides free, accessible consent resources, develops tools for teachers and parents, and engages in policy advocacy, delivering youth-centered, culturally relevant education that addresses coercion, misogyny and healthy relationships.
For funders seeking to support prevention‑focused, youth‑led systems change addressing sexual violence – an issue that continues to disproportionately impact women in Australia.
This is not an exhaustive list of organisations. Find a wide range of funding proposals on our Funding Platform. Filter by location, cause area and target population to find a project that aligns with your funding interests.
