Pacific women and girls take centre stage at Women Deliver 2026: Shifting narratives from vulnerability to leadership
- Elevating child participation and advocacy as a global priority: World Vision’s "Pacific Girls at the Heart" initiative represents a shift in development strategy, moving from viewing youth as passive beneficiaries to recognising children as contributors to viable solutions to address violence and exploitation, climate change, and safe migration.
- Integrating GEDSI into climate action and resilience building: By convening girl- and women-led panels at Women Deliver 2026, the organisation is setting a new standard for Gender, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) within humanitarian frameworks, ensuring that the lived experiences inform resilience policies of those most marginalised.
- Data-driven Empowerment: Demonstrating the impact of World Vision programmes and actionable initiatives that empower donors to move beyond traditional aid models toward supporting sustainable, community-led leadership in the Asia-Pacific region.
NARRM (MELBOURNE), AUSTRALIA April 27, 2026 – As the historic Women Deliver 2026 (WD2026) conference opens today in Melbourne, a powerful call for child-led advocacy is rising. Tomorrow, April 28, the regional side event, "Pacific Girls at the Heart," will spotlight women girls not merely as participants, but as the primary architects of change in their communities.
In a region facing the intersecting pressures of climate change and shifting geopolitical landscapes, the event will highlight how women and girls across the Pacific are leading climate resilience, ending violence, and promoting safe migration for all. This initiative moves beyond traditional humanitarian narratives, positioning young people as leaders of today who are capable of contributing to the policy dialogues that affect their futures.
“Sarah Bearup, COO/Senior Director of Operations, World Vision South Asia Pacific Region, states: ‘This is a moment to place Pasifika women and girls at the heart — shifting from passive beneficiaries to active leaders, through data-driven storytelling, meaningful participation, and Pacific-led solutions.”
Key Highlights of the "Pacific Girls at the Heart" Side Event:
· GEDSI-responsive Climate Resilience: Discussions led by a girl and women-led panel comprised of Koleta Yauko and Susan from WV Solomon Islands, Fane Vaitake from Live and Learn Tonga, Susanne Legena from Plan International Australia, and Alison Davidian from UN Women
· Championing Equitable Philanthropy: World Vision CEO Grant Bayldon notes a profound shift in Australian philanthropy, with givers increasingly prioritising initiatives that foster equity, inclusion, and the agency of marginalised groups. This momentum is fueling vital support for children and communities across the Asia-Pacific region, shifting the focus from passive aid to active, community-led change.
The Women Deliver Conference 2026, running from April 27 to 30, brings together more than 6,500 advocates at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. Throughout the week, World Vision’s delegation is actively engaging at booths B19, B20, and B21.
This space offers an immersive experience, featuring child-focused Pacific programming, the ‘ENOUGH’ global nutrition campaign, and GEDSI-responsive initiatives from across the Asia Pacific region. It showcases real-time stories and insights that demonstrate the power of localisation and collective action.
World Vision South Asia and Pacific Gender, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) Senior Adviser, Mona Stella Mariano, said: “As we pursue a more equitable future, true inclusion means dismantling barriers so women and girls can realise their full potential. We are shifting the narrative from vulnerability to leadership, ensuring children and communities are the drivers of their own change, not just beneficiaries of progress.”
For more information on the side event or to schedule an interview with youth advocates, please visit our exhibition booths to engage with our digital content and learn more about our commitment to a future where every child is recognised as a leader in their own right.
- ENDS -
About World Vision:
World Vision is a Christian humanitarian aid, development, and advocacy organisation dedicated to ending extreme poverty and injustice — one child, one family, and one community at a time. Today, we are a global movement of community members, donors, and leaders, working alongside partners to ignite momentum and create lasting change for children everywhere.
For arrangements with media, please contact:
Mona Mariano | mona_stella_mariano@wvi.org
Gender, Disability and Social Inclusion Senior Adviser
World Vision South Asia and Pacific
Jolene O’Sullivan | jolene_osullivan@wvi.org
Analyst - Strategy, Collaboration, and Innovation
World Vision South Asia and Pacific