FAQs

Have QUESTIONS?
Here are some of our most frequently asked.

About WD2023

  • What is the Women Deliver Conference?

    The Women Deliver Conference is one of the largest multi-sectoral convenings in the gender equality space globally. The Conference gathers advocates from around the world to galvanize momentum towards collective action for girls and women, in all their intersecting identities. It aims to leverage our collective strength to build a broader, stronger, and more diverse gender equality movement in which we are resilient, drive change, and hold governments, leaders, and commitment makers accountable.

    The Conference is co-created by grassroots advocates, individuals, and youth, including from and representing communities facing systemic discrimination.

    Read more about previous Women Deliver conferences here. 

  • What is the theme and focus of the upcoming WD2023?

    The theme of WD2023 is Spaces, Solidarity, and Solutions. WD2023 will enable inclusive and co-created spaces that foster solidarity for sustainable solutions on gender equality.

    As one of the largest multi-sectoral convenings to advance gender equality, the Women Deliver 2023 Conference and Global Dialogue are co-created by grassroots advocates, multilateral governments, private sector, philanthropies, and youth, including from and representing communities facing systemic discrimination. With sexual and reproductive health and rights at our core, we will center intersectional feminist principles, to address compounding issues impacting girls and women — from climate change, to gender-based violence, to unpaid care work — and collectively identify and action evidence-based solutions. We will enhance our collective power by centering the leadership of grassroots, connecting advocates with decision-makers, and sharing key advocacy strategies.

    Please sign up for the Women Deliver newsletter to receive updates and announcements related to the Conference. 

  • When and where will WD2023 take place?

    The upcoming WD2023 Conference will be a hybrid convening taking place in Kigali, Rwanda, from 17-20 July 2023, and online with an interactive Conference program. We expect 5,000 – 6,000 attendees on site and 100,000 virtual attendees to join us in Kigali from diverse fields, geographies, and experiences.

    Pre-Conferences will take place 16-17 July. Global Dialogue and Regional Convening Partners events will be held in the lead up to the Conference. Please follow this link to learn more details.

    Registration, for both the in-person and virtual Conference, opened on 19 July 2022, click here to learn more and register. Please sign up for the Women Deliver newsletter to receive updates and announcements related to the Conference. 

  • What are the objectives of WD2023?

    Our Five WD2023 Conference Objectives are to:

    1. Catalyze Collective Action to Advance Gender Equality;
    2. Hold Leaders Accountable;
    3. Empower the Feminist Movement;
    4. Reframe Who Leads;
    5. and Create Space.
  • Who will be attending?

    WD2023 brings together advocates from regional and national organizations, including but not limited to grassroots, Indigenous, adolescents and youth, LGBTQIA+, persons with disabilities, and women’s rights organizations; world leaders and influencers; private sector leaders; academics; activists; philanthropies; and journalists from all around the world.

  • Where can I find all the relevant information about WD2023?

    Information about the WD2023 Conference, its objectives, theme, and partners as well as packs for media and partners will be available on the Conference website, at www.wd2023.org.

    Please sign up for Women Deliver’s newsletter here and follow our social media accounts to receive updates and details on the mobilization leading up to the Conference.

  • How did Women Deliver select Rwanda as the host country?

    WD2023 will be hosted for the first time in Africa, in Kigali, Rwanda, at the Kigali Convention Center (KCC). Rwanda’s strong and demonstrable commitment to gender equality and girls’ and women’s health and rights makes it an especially appropriate choice for WD2023. Today, Rwandan politics is cited as a model of gender inclusiveness and a reflection of the importance of ensuring Sustainable Development Goal 5 on gender equality. The World Economic Forum ranks Rwanda fourth globally and first in Africa as a regional and global leader in advancing gender equality. Also, gender equality is mainstreamed in various development frameworks, informing both Rwanda’s National Strategy for Transformation (2017-2024) and Vision 2050. Read more here.

     

    Women Deliver undergoes an extensive and participatory process for selecting host countries for the Women Deliver Conferences, including multiple site visits, meetings with host country governments, and feedback and conversations with Women Deliver partners and global advocates. It gives us great pleasure to host the 2023 Conference in Rwanda as this due diligence process has been successful.

  • What is the leadership structure of WD2023?

    Women Deliver is committed to a more consultative and inclusive process for developing the Women Deliver 2023 Conference. The WD2023 Advisory Group is made up of over 30 organizations belonging to civil society and philanthropic organizations, government, media, UN agencies, and the private sector, as well as Women Deliver Young Leaders, based in all major geographic regions in the world. Sixty percent of WD2023’s Advisory Group members belong to organizations based in low- and middle-income countries. The Advisory Group also includes leaders of all six Generation Equality Forum Action Coalitions.

    The Advisory Group’s mission is to provide strategic advice and input on the development and implementation of the Conference and Global Dialogue by co-creating the Conference’s theme, design, and programming.

  • What are the WD2023 commitments made during the Generation Equality Forum?

    The 2021 Generation Equality Forum was a major global inflection point for gender equality convened by UN Women and co-hosted by the governments of France and Mexico. This landmark effort brought together changemakers from around the world to announce ambitious investments and policies. The Forum launched a 5-year action journey to accelerate progress towards gender equality, founded on a series of concrete and transformative actions, including US $40 billion in financial commitments. In the Generation Equality Forum, Women Deliver announced seven commitments, including an investment of US $4 million in programming over the next five years to advance the health, rights, and wellbeing of all girls and women, in all their intersecting identities. Additionally, Women Deliver will create dedicated Generation Equality Forum advocacy spaces in order to catalyze the political change, investments, action, and accountability needed to drive progress toward a gender-equal world at WD2023 and beyond. 

  • How is WD2023 different from past conferences?

    WD2023 will promote a robust civic space for feminist action, organizing, and mobilization and will be more inclusive, diverse, accessible, and consultative than ever before by introducing the following five new elements:

    1. Accessibility and inclusion will lead the way — in-person and virtually.
    2. Women Deliver will equip advocates with the skills they need to take action — before, during, and after the Conference — via an expanded Global Dialogue.
    3. Women Deliver will work in partnership with Regional Convening Partners to maximize global impact.
    4. Women Deliver is committed to developing an accessible and inclusive platform, both in-person and virtually to ensure that communities traditionally underrepresented in global convenings can fully participate.
    5. Women Deliver will create dedicated Generation Equality Forum advocacy spaces in order to catalyze the political change, investments, action, and accountability needed to drive progress toward a gender-equal world at WD2023 and beyond.
  • How to plan for a Zero Waste WD2023?

    Now more than ever, aiming for Zero Waste Conferences and Events is the correct action to take. For WD2023, we are committed to sustainability by hosting a paperless and Zero Waste Conference as much as possible.
    The key to a Zero Waste event is careful planning so that all materials used and disposed of are reusable, recyclable, or compostable.
    How can you plan for a Zero Waste event/exhibition? Here are some ideas for your consideration:

    • Use reusable, certified compostable or recyclable materials
    • Don’t produce unsustainable materials or swag products
    • Design materials that you can reuse in future events
    • Consider online publicity of your event (invitations, agendas, posters, factsheets, etc.) Or ensure they are made from recycled content as much as possible.
    • Refrain from bringing plastic bags to Rwanda as these are banned by national law. Any plastic bags in your luggage will be confiscated at the airport or other point of entry.

How to attend WD2023

  • How much does it cost to attend?

    In-person registration for WD2023 is now closed. You can join our in-person waitlist here. Registration for the Virtual Conference is still open.

  • What is included in the cost of my registration?

    In-person Conference fees include access to all events, networking sessions, lunch, and daily transportation to and from the Conference locations and hotels, as well as Pre-Conferences, and Culture Night. In-person Conference fees do not include: hotel accommodations, airfare travel, or visa fees. Virtual Conference fees include access to all online sessions.

  • Is there a deadline to register?

    In-person registration for WD2023 is now closed. You can join our in-person waitlist here. Registration for the Virtual Conference is still open.

  • Will you offer scholarships?

    Yes, our scholarship program provides financial assistance to people who are seeking support to cover the cost of attendance, both in-person and virtually. An open call for scholarship applications was announced on 19 July 2022 and closed on 1 October 2022.

    All successful applicants have been notified. We are proud to commit scholarships and financial support to a minimum 25% of WD2023 participants, including 300 Young Leaders as well as online scholarships to 700 Young Leader Alumni.

  • Will there be ways to participate virtually?

    Women Deliver will host an accessible Virtual Conference optimized for low bandwidth and mobile participation, in conjunction with the in-person component as well as a robust Global Dialogue the months prior to the Conference. Registration for the Virtual Conference opened on 19 July 2022. Follow this link to register for the Virtual Conference.

     

  • How is my registration confirmed?

    Once you submit the payment at the end of the registration process you should receive an email confirming your registration. Please allow a few minutes to receive the confirmation email. If a spam filter or email rule moved the email, check the Spam, Junk or Trash folder as it might have landed there. If you’re still experiencing issues with the confirmation email, please message us at contact@wd2023-conference.org to assist you.

  • I can no longer attend, is my registration fee refundable?

    All tickets are non-refundable. If you are unable to attend WD2023, you may transfer your ticket to another party. Please email contact@wd2023-conference.org if you need to transfer your ticket.

  • Can I change my registration type?

    Tickets are non-refundable; therefore, we cannot accommodate switching from in-person to virtual, however, you may transfer your ticket to another party.

    If you paid for a virtual registration, you may switch your registration type to in-person by paying the difference, provided there is still in-person registration available.

    Please email contact@wd2023-conference.org if you need to change or transfer your ticket.

  • Can I submit a group registration?

    Each individual attending WD2023, must complete their own registration.  However, there is a group payment option for organizations and/or collectives seeking to make one payment for all attendees from their delegation. Please email contact@wd2023-conference.org to request a group payment form.

    Visit our registration page to learn more details.

  • Can I get an invoice for registration?

    Individuals may request an invoice, upon successful Conference registration and payment of fees. To request an invoice, please email contact@wd2023-conference.org.

  • Can I get a certificate of participation?

    Registered delegates may obtain a certificate of participation in the WD2023 Conference. Here’s how you can obtain your certificate:

    • Access the Virtual Platform
    • Login to Your Account using the your registered email address and password, the same you used to access the Conference app.
    • Certificate Download: Once logged in, navigate to the “participation certificate” section. Here, you will be asked to answer a question to download your certificate. Please ensure that your name and affiliation are correctly displayed.
  • Will individuals be able to register for in-person Conference if they apply for scholarships and are not awarded one?

    In-person registration will be open on a rolling basis until capacity is reached. Once we have reached capacity, a waitlist will be initiated. If individuals are able to secure external financial support for their participation in WD2023, they are encouraged to register as soon as possible to ensure a spot in the Conference.

    Please note that all tickets are non-refundable. If you are unable to attend WD2023, you may transfer your ticket to another party. Please email contact@wd2023-conference.org if you need to transfer your ticket.

  • Should I register if I am applying to organize a Concurrent session?

    Women Deliver encourages individuals seeking to attend WD2023 regardless of acceptance of a Concurrent application to register as soon as possible; Women Deliver will work with selected Concurrent speakers to update their registration and badge status once their participation is confirmed.

    Individuals planning to attend WD2023 only if accepted as a Concurrent speaker do not need to register ahead of time. Women Deliver is reserving spots for all Concurrent organizers and speakers and will provide guidance on registration once selected for the Concurrent Program.

Participating in WD2023

  • Can I present or speak at WD2023?

    The form to submit speaker suggestions closed on 7 June as we are are no longer accepting speaker suggestions.

    Speakers will be chosen according to the needs of the program and our commitment to inclusive programming.

    Individuals interested in speaking and/or presenting at WD2023 may submit a Side Event application. Side events are sold on a first come, first served basis, more detailed information about pricing and schedule available here.

    Please sign up for Women Deliver’s newsletter here to receive updates relating to WD2023.

  • How can I suggest a speaker for WD2023?

    The form to submit speaker suggestions closed on 7 June as we are are no longer accepting speaker suggestions.

     

    Speakers will be chosen according to the needs of the program and our commitment to inclusive programming.

  • How can I share my ideas for WD2023?

    Women Deliver conducted both a Global Community Consultation, with over 5,000 respondents, and a one-year post WD2019 survey to hear directly from advocates about what issues are most pressing in their communities and how the Women Deliver Conference has made an impact on their work.

    Additionally, we conducted a focus group including 300 participants in February 2022 — covering youth, grassroots advocates, and funding partners. If you have additional ideas or suggestions to share, please fill out this form.

  • How can I participate in WD2023 Global Dialogue?

    The Women Deliver 2023 Global Dialogue is an interactive space that provides an opportunity for advocates from around the world to design and lead workshops, hold discussions, and network on key issues related to gender equality in the lead-up to the WD2023. Through the Global Dialogue, advocates from around the world will come together during in-person, virtual, and hybrid events to discuss and exchange knowledge about girls’ and women’s rights issues. The Global Dialogue is supported by WD2023 Regional Convening Partners, who play a key role in convening advocates in Latin America and the Caribbean, the Middle East and North Africa, Southern Africa, Asia, and the Pacific Region.

    We invite you to get involved by sharing your planned community events by filling out this form, once submitted your event will appear on the Global Dialogue Webpage events section. Please make sure to share your event details in advance, so we can publicize it on our website.

  • Who are the Regional Convening partners and how to get involved?

    WD2023 will adopt a greater focus on partnerships than ever before by building bridges between diverse actors in order to bring country-level advocates’ perspectives to bear, both in-person and virtually, every step of the way. Women Deliver will work in partnership with Regional Convening Partners to maximize global impact. Regional Convening Partners will mobilize and convene advocates within their region to advance the conversation around gender equality before, during, and after the Conference as part of WD2023’s expanded Global Dialogue. As WD2023 is a global Conference, it is important for advocates to share progress, exchange ideas, and solicit feedback within their own regional context toward coordinating collective action.

    To learn more how to be involved, please email us at wd2023@womendeliver.org. 

  • Are there any volunteer opportunities?

    More information on volunteer opportunities will be shared once we get closer to WD2023 in Kigali. Please sign up here for Women Deliver’s newsletter to get more information as it becomes available. 

  • Can I exhibit at WD2023?

    There will be opportunities for organizations to exhibit at WD2023. Applications for exhibitors opened on July 19, 2022, more information is available here. 

    Please sign up here for our newsletter to get more information when it is available.  

  • Can I host a side event at WD2023?

    Women Deliver has reached capacity for side events submissions. Applicants can still submit their side event, but they will be added to a waitlist. Click here to be added to the waitlist.

  • Can I apply to host a Concurrent session?

    Concurrent sessions were selected through an open application process, which closed in November 2022. All successful applicants have been notified. Click here to learn more about the Concurrent program.

  • Do you need to be a sponsor to host a side event or concurrent session?

    You can apply to host a Concurrent session or a Side Event regardless of your sponsorship status. More details about the Concurrent application available here and about the Side Event application here. Concurrent sessions organizers have been selected and notified.

    Please note that some sponsorship packages include on-site side events, click here to learn more about sponsorship opportunities. If your sponsorship package includes hosting a side event, you do not need to complete an online application.  

  • Where can I find the program schedule for the conference?

    The WD2023 program will be available through our website. Click here for updates related to WD2023 programming.

Youth engagement at WD2023

  • How would youth be engaged in WD2023?

    Women Deliver actively provides resources for robust youth co-leadership and co-creation of WD2023. We aim to shift the global landscape from youth participation to youth co-leadership because we know young people are leading the way in shaping a gender-equal future. In addition to youth virtually participating in the Pre-Conferences and the Global Dialogues around the world in the six months leading up to WD2023, they will be co-creating, co-facilitating, leading sessions, and organizing on cross-sectional thematic areas throughout WD2023.

     

    To ensure intergenerational dialogue at the Conference, Women Deliver has made a commitment to ensure that every panel will have at least one youth speaker, and resources and scholarships will be provided to ensure youth speakers are prepared and supported by their event sponsor. Additionally, as at WD2019, there will be a Youth Pre-Conference and a designated Youth Zone where Young Leaders and other youth attendees can meet and network. We look forward to creating more ways to highlight and meaningfully engage youth at WD2023 as we co-design the Conference with Young Leaders and Alumni! More information about Youth Engagement at WD2023 here.

  • Do adolescents under 18 need a guardian to attend WD2023?

    Women Deliver advocates for the meaningful engagement of young people through its Young Leaders Program, which provides young advocates the resources necessary to extend their influence and actively shape the policies that affect their lives. In support of this commitment, Women Deliver will invite, and encourage active participation of young activists, some under the age of 18. Accordingly, Women Deliver understands its obligation to mitigate the risk associated with including this vulnerable population, and requires all WD2023 participants to uphold, respect and abide by the letter and spirit of Women Deliver’s Child and Young Person Safeguarding Policy, which can be found here and on Women Deliver’s website. Updates or revisions to this Policy that are posted to Women Deliver’s website are incorporated herein by reference.

     

    All registrants 12 through 17 must have the permission of, and be directly supervised by, their parent or designated 18 or older guardian or companion, throughout their participation in WD2023. Such parent or designee must register for, and attend alongside, the WD2023 event in which their 12 through 17- year-old registers and participates. Registration for parents or designated guardians is complementary.

     

    Any parent or designee who intends to participate in WD2023 accompanied by someone 11 or younger should contact Women Deliver at wd2023@WomenDeliver.org. All attendees 11 and under must be always accompanied and supervised by their WD2023 registered parent or designee.

Accessibility and Inclusion at WD2023

  • What steps will be taken to ensure accessibility at WD2023?

    Women Deliver is working with accessibility experts to develop an accessible and inclusive platform, both in-person and virtually on our digital spaces to ensure that communities traditionally underrepresented in global convenings have access to networking, skills-building, and funding opportunities. This includes closed captioning, interpretation in multiple languages, International Sign Language; and on-site, the Conference will provide trauma-informed specialists, mental health specialists, among others.

     

    As part of the commitment to developing an accessible and inclusive Conference, Women Deliver has signed onto the Feminist Accessibility Protocol, developed by the Inclusive Generation Equality Collective.  Follow this link to learn more about how WD2023 is putting these commitments into practice.

     

    Additionally, persons with disabilities who require a companion to travel and to attend the Conference will receive complementary registration for their companion. When you register for WD2023, you may indicate in the registration form that you require a companion for assistance. Women Deliver will then reach out to register your companion.

  • Will programming be available in multiple languages?

    Programming will be available in English, French, and Spanish. Additionally, Women Deliver will incorporate closed captioning, and International Sign Language interpretation upon request.

Traveling to Kigali

  • How is Women Deliver taking the COVID-19 pandemic and the safety of participants into account in its preparations for WD2023?

    Women Deliver is closely monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic globally to ensure the health and safety of all participants. We are working closely with the Government of Rwanda to ensure that WD2023 will be safe for participants and Rwandans alike and that a convening of this size will not put a strain on Rwanda’s health system. There will be robust virtual engagement for those who would prefer to attend WD2023 online.

  • How will Women Deliver ensure participants get their visas in time?

    Delegates will be able to obtain a visa upon arrival at Kigali International airport and all land borders or online here. Single entry conference visa costs USD $50 and is valid for 30 days. Please make sure your passport is valid at least 6 months from date of entry. Visas are free for delegates from African Union member States, Commonwealth and Francophonie countries, unless otherwise provided by Rwandan laws. 

    Detailed checklists for journalist and media visas will be shared once registration for media opens in January 2023.

    To learn more about visitor’s visa to enter Rwanda click here. 

  • Does Women Deliver provide visa letters?

    Women Deliver can only provide visa letters to registered delegates. To request a visa letter, please email contact@wd2023-conference.org.

Sponsoring and supporting WD2023

  • Do you have sponsorship opportunities?

    Yes, Women Deliver has a variety of custom sponsorship opportunities for those looking to sponsor WD2023. We have unique sponsorship opportunities for both private sector and nonprofits, ranging from sponsored side events to exclusive media access. Click here for more information on comprehensive sponsorship packages. Please email (sponsorship@womendeliver.org) if you are interested in sponsoring WD2023. 

  • Can I donate/support financially?

    Yes, Women Deliver will have opportunities for donation and financial support for the Conference. Click here for more information on comprehensive sponsorship packages. Please email (sponsorship@womendeliver.org) if you are interested in providing financial support for WD2023. If you would like to support the Women Deliver organization, please visit http://womendeliver.org/donate.    

The Global Dialogue

  • How can I participate in the WD2023 Global Dialogue?

    The Women Deliver 2023 Global Dialogue is an interactive space for advocates from around the world to come together during in-person, virtual, and hybrid events to discuss and take action to address the gender equality issues that matter most to them in the lead up to the Women Deliver 2023 Conference taking place in Kigali, Rwanda and online, from 17-20 July 2023.

    The Global Dialogue has three main elements: Community Events, Regional Convenings, and Rwandan Mobilization. Community Events are dedicated advocacy spaces for community members to participate in agenda setting and inclusive conversations. The events take an organic approach, as the engagement and discussions will not be held on Women Deliver digital platforms. Instead, we encourage organizations, partners, and and advocates to use their existing channels to curate and host events in the format they choose. Women Deliver will support these organizations by promoting the events through the Global Dialogue webpage.

    If you are planning to host a Community Event, please share with us by filling this form.

    The Regional Convening Partners are leading on mobilization and convening advocates within their region to advance conversations around gender equality as part of the Global Dialogue either through in-person or virtual events. If you are interested in connecting with WD2023 Regional Convening Partners, email Valerie Awino, Advisor for Global Dialogue and Regional Convening Partners, at vawino@womendeliver.org.

    Women Deliver is also working with civil society organizations in Rwanda to highlight the strides that have happened in the country regarding gender equality, as well as to provide a platform for advocates to share their vision and advocacy plans. Interested in connecting with Rwandan civil society organizations? Please reach out to wd2023@womendeliver.org.

  • How can I get involved with the Regional Convening Partners?

    The Regional Convening Partners have a series of either in-person or virtual events planned within the regional context. Please check the Global Dialogue webpage for additional information and how you can participate.

  • How can I share a Community Event with Women Deliver?

    We look forward to receiving your planned Community Event and highlighting on the Global Dialogue webpage. To share your event with Women Deliver, please follow these simple steps:

    1. Register your event through the Community Events form.
    2. Ensure all the details have been sufficiently filled before submitting.
    3. Share with us your event at least three weeks before the actual date of the event to allow us time to share on the Global Dialogue webpage.
    4. We would love to be part of these conversations and engagements. Please tag Women Deliver on your social media posts and use the hashtag #WD2023.
    5. Did you take amazing photos that you would also like to share with us? Please share your photos and description here. Photos and descriptions will be shared by our team on the Women Deliver Flickr account.
  • How much does Women Deliver charge to host a Community Event?

    Women Deliver does not charge any fees for hosting a Community Event or promoting the event through the Global Dialogue webpage.

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