The National Foundation for Australian Women (NFAW) exists to drive gender equality by influencing policy, preserving women’s history, and engaging the public in critical conversations about women’s rights. We are an independent, feminist voice working to improve lives across Australia.
At the core of our work is a commitment to evidence-based policy that promotes gender equality. Through our Social Policy Committee, we monitor the impact of Commonwealth government policies on women and girls. We publish independent research and analysis, respond to Parliamentary inquiries, and advocate for systemic change in key areas such as employment, care work, superannuation, taxation, and violence against women.
We also produce the Gender Lens on the Budget, a nationally recognised, independent analysis that examines how each Federal Budget affects women.
We believe that Australia’s future is stronger when its past includes the voices and contributions of women. Through the Australian Women’s Archives Program (AWAP), NFAW documents and shares the lives, work, and achievements of Australian women—ensuring they are recorded, remembered, and valued.
NFAW is committed to raising awareness and fostering informed public dialogue on issues that affect women and gender equality in Australia. We create platforms for discussion and learning through a range of public events, including thought-provoking lectures, panel discussions, and community gatherings.
Our flagship events—such as the annual NFAW Dinner and the Pamela Denoon Lectures—bring together leading voices in policy, academia, activism, and community leadership. These events highlight the challenges and progress in women’s rights and inspire collective action towards meaningful change. Through these forums, we aim to amplify diverse perspectives, share new research, and empower individuals to engage in the movement for gender equality.
As part of its commitment to preserving and promoting women’s history, the National Foundation for Australian Women proudly sponsors a prize in the National History Challenge—a nationwide competition for school students. NFAW supports the special category: Australian Women’s History, which encourages young people to explore and showcase the vital contributions of women throughout Australia’s past.
By sponsoring this award, NFAW aims to inspire the next generation of historians to examine history through a gender-aware lens, ensuring that the achievements and experiences of Australian women are recognised, researched, and remembered.
Girls Run aims to create an intergenerational solidarity space for feminist advocacy, focusing on empowering young women and gender-diverse individuals in Australia. It connects different generations of feminists, facilitating knowledge sharing and mutual support.
Girls Run builds on the success of two separate young women’s organisations, Girls Run the World and YWAG. Its aims to:
Over more than three decades, the National Foundation for Australian Women has played a pivotal role in shaping Australia’s progress toward gender equality. From groundbreaking policy advocacy to preserving women’s history and creating platforms for public engagement, our achievements reflect the dedication of a passionate and expert community.
