05/14/2026
"Change calls us here." 🌏💜
Below, Sandra Muchekeza, ACGC's Executive Director, shares reflections from the Women Deliver 2026 Conference and a few key takeaways we can all bring into our work and future strategies.
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Two weeks ago, I had the immense privilege of joining more than 6,000 feminists, activists, advocates, and leaders from around the world at the Women Deliver 2026 Conference in Narrm (Melbourne), Australia.
We came together to learn, challenge, listen, connect, and imagine what a more just and gender-equal future could look like. At a time when gender rights face increasing backlash globally, the conference was both grounding and energizing — an important reminder of the power of collective action, solidarity, and hope.
Choosing from hundreds of sessions was nearly impossible, but these three reflections have stayed with me:
1. The future of gender rights movements requires stronger collective power
Anti-rights and anti-gender movements are not new — they are highly coordinated, well-funded, and strategic. Meanwhile, many feminist movements continue to work in silos, fighting important battles in isolation. One of the strongest calls throughout the conference was the need for a more united, visionary, and globally connected feminist movement that can collectively shape the future rather than simply respond to attacks on hard-won gains.
2. Investing in women’s health is not a cost — it is an economic and social investment
Women, particularly in the Global South, continue to face significant barriers to accessing quality healthcare across every stage of life—from adolescence through reproductive health years to menopause. These realities directly affect women’s ability to learn, participate in the workforce, lead, and thrive. One statistic that stood out to me was that for every $1 invested in women’s health, there is an estimated $3 return. Reframing women’s health as an investment rather than a burden is essential for building stronger economies, healthier communities, and more equitable societies.
3. Ethical storytelling matters even more in the age of AI
As AI-generated content becomes more common, civil society organizations are increasingly grappling with how to tell stories ethically while still inspiring action. A key takeaway for me was that authenticity and transparency matter. Real people, real stories, real communities, and real experiences must remain at the center of our work. And when AI is used, we must be transparent about it. Ethical storytelling is not only about impact — it is about trust.
I left the conference reminded that progress is never guaranteed, but neither is regression inevitable. The future will depend on how boldly we organize, collaborate, and continue to show up for one another.
