Fully Funded Women Deliver 2026 Conference Scholarships Announced for Oceanic Pacific Youth Applications are now being accepted for fully funded scholarships to attend the Women Deliver 2026 (WD2026) Conference in Narrm (Melbourne), Australia, from April 27-30, 2026. This landmark event, focusing on gender equality, climate change, and justice for Indigenous communities, marks the first time the global conference will be held in the Oceanic Pacific region. The scholarships aim to enable the participation of young leaders and changemakers under 30 from the region who might otherwise be excluded from such global platforms.

Empowering Voices from the Oceanic Pacific The Women Deliver 2026 Conference, themed "Resist, Reimagine, Rebuild," anticipates bringing together over 6,500 individuals dedicated to advancing gender equality and related social justice issues. Recognizing the importance of diverse representation, Women Deliver is offering comprehensive scholarships covering all expenses, including flights, visa costs, accommodation, meals, insurance, and conference registration fees. These scholarships prioritize applicants from marginalized backgrounds within the Oceanic Pacific region, specifically First Nations youth, LGBTQIA+ youth, people with disabilities, displaced individuals, and girls from low-income communities. The initiative seeks to amplify the voices of those often underrepresented in global conversations.

What the Scholarship Covers

Full registration for the Women Deliver 2026 Conference Hotel accommodation (April 26 - April 30, 2026) Roundtrip economy-class airfare Visa fees and related travel costs Daily allowance (per diem) for local transport and meals Travel insurance Additional support for an accompanying person (for participants with disabilities or those under 18 requiring a guardian)

Eligibility Criteria To be eligible for the Women Deliver 2026 Conference Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Be under the age of 30 as of January 1, 2026. Be from or currently residing in one of the Oceanic Pacific countries. Be actively engaged in community work, such as volunteering, organizing, or youth leadership. Not have previously received a Women Deliver Conference scholarship.

Preference will be given to individuals from the following marginalized backgrounds:

First Nations or Indigenous communities LGBTQIA+ communities Persons with disabilities Refugees or internally displaced persons Adolescent girls and young women from low-income backgrounds

Application Process and Deadline The application process is entirely online. Interested candidates should visit the official Women Deliver 2026 Scholarships page to access the application form and detailed instructions. Applicants are strongly advised to carefully review the eligibility criteria and prepare all necessary documents before commencing the application. The online form must be completed in one session. The application deadline is August 10, 2025. Successful applicants will be notified by November 2025.

Expert Perspective: The Importance of Regional Representation "Bringing the Women Deliver Conference to the Oceanic Pacific region is a significant step towards decentralizing global development conversations," says Dr. Eleanor Sterling, a biodiversity and conservation expert at the American Museum of Natural History's Center for Biodiversity and Conservation. "These scholarships are crucial because they ensure that the voices of young people from this region, particularly those from marginalized communities, are not only heard but actively shape the discussions and outcomes of the conference. Their lived experiences and perspectives are essential for developing effective and equitable solutions to the challenges of gender equality, climate change, and social justice."

Historical Context and Future Impact Women Deliver conferences have historically played a vital role in shaping global policy and advocacy efforts related to gender equality and women's health. By focusing on the Oceanic Pacific region, WD2026 acknowledges the unique challenges and opportunities present in this diverse area. The scholarship program builds upon Women Deliver’s commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that the conference serves as a platform for genuine collaboration and knowledge sharing. "Scholarships like these are not just about attending a conference; they're about investing in the next generation of leaders," explains Maria Rodriguez, a program officer at a global philanthropic organization focused on youth empowerment. "By providing young people with the resources and platform to connect with peers, share their experiences, and learn from experts, we are fostering a global network of changemakers who are equipped to address the complex challenges facing their communities and the world."

Don't Miss This Opportunity Young activists, students, and community workers from the Oceanic Pacific region are encouraged to apply for these fully funded scholarships and join a dynamic network of leaders at the Women Deliver 2026 Conference. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to critical conversations, gain valuable skills, and amplify your voice on a global stage.

Key Dates:

Application Opens: July 18, 2025 Application Deadline: August 10, 2025 Conference Dates: April 27-30, 2026

Apply Now: [Official Link - Placeholder, to be added by system]