When women come together, our voices, so often dismissed or sidelined in public debate, become more difficult to ignore. Today, we are proud to announce a step that strengthens our collective voice: our national peak body is now the Affiliation of Australian Women’s Advocacy Alliances (AAWAA).
Why ‘Advocacy’ and why now?
This change is more than a new name. It’s a clear statement of who we are and what we stand for. ‘Advocacy’ reflects the work we do on a daily basis: shaping policy, making submissions, engaging the public, and fighting for legislative reform. It signals professionalism, credibility, and a commitment to constructive engagement … qualities that are essential for real influence. And as feminists, we can achieve that influence, if we are united.
Feminist organisations have always been at the forefront of social change, yet too often our voices are fragmented or drowned out by louder, better-resourced interests. Advocacy gives us the best chance to unify and amplify the power of every member group, large or small, local or national. This unity is not just symbolic. It is a practical force for change.
CEDAW Article 7: Our right to be heard
Our collective strength is not just a matter of strategy, it is a right. Article 7 of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) obliges governments to ensure women’s participation in public and political life. Yet, as an upcoming coalition submission to the Australian Law Reform Commission will show, women’s and feminist groups are still too often excluded from critical debates (such as those on surrogacy laws) where our voices matter most. As the coalition states,
“Feminist groups and women’s advocacy organisations represent a broad cross-section of women’s voices… Our expertise and experience are essential to ensuring that the ALRC’s review is genuinely balanced and upholds Australia’s obligations under international human rights law to consult women on matters that affect us.”
AAWAA’s new name as a peak advocacy body is a direct response to this challenge. It places us at the centre of national conversations and ensures that our expertise, experience, and lived realities shape the policies that affect us all.
Respecting local strength, building national influence
Changing our national name does not mean losing the unique identities of our local Women’s Action Alliances (WAAs). Each local WAA keeps its name and continues its vital grassroots activism. The new national identity simply gives us a stronger, more credible platform to represent every group, ensuring that local voices are heard at the highest levels.
What this means for us
The transition to a unified advocacy identity brings significant benefits for our movement and the broader cause of women’s rights. With greater influence, our collective advocacy is positioned to have a more substantial impact on shaping laws and policies that affect women and girls. By presenting a united front, we ensure that our expertise and lived experience are given due consideration in national discussions and legislative reforms.
A professional identity focussed on advocacy also leads to increased visibility. This coherence in how we present ourselves makes it easier for allies, policymakers, and the public to recognise and connect with our cause.
Most importantly, this approach delivers stronger representation. Our voices, working together, convey the concerns and aspirations of women across Australia, ensuring that our collective strength is both seen and heard where it matters most.
Together, we are stronger
This name change is a small adjustment with a big purpose: to help us present clearly, seriously, and respectfully as a principled national body, one that advocates powerfully and effectively for women and girls. AAWAA would like to take this opportunity to thank our local women’s action alliances, our coalition partners, and all women fighting the feminist fight for your dedication and support as we move further ahead in the advocacy space.
For more information, please update your contacts:
- Email: women@womensadvocacy.net
- Website: womensadvocacy.net
