The Issue

Authoritarianism and fascist ideologies are globally on the rise, and with them misogyny and threats to gender equality. Around the world we are seeing an alarming backlash against the empowerment of women, girls and gender-diverse people and a regression of their rights.

Rights to bodily autonomy, sexual and reproductive health, education and political participation are under attack, while digital misinformation campaigns target young men to promote dominance over women and girls. In Australia gender-based violence, sexism and discrimination are still rife, with one in five women experiencing violence in an intimate relationship, and greater risk for those experiencing multiple intersections of discrimination or disadvantage.

Our Solution

Documentary has a unique power to platform lived experience, reveal inequality and rewrite strongly-held
narratives. In 2026-27 our curated events program will celebrate trailblazing documentaries by and about women. We will present high-impact events in person and online to deepen dialogue on gender equality and justice. In 2027 we will launch a film fellowship and grants program, supporting globally-relevant documentaries by women and gender-diverse people with grants and professional development.

Our Impact

• Uplift the lived experience and voices of women, girls and gender-diverse people through documentary
• Deepen dialogue between women from diverse lived and professional experience about gender equality and
  justice
• Celebrate the trailblazing documentaries by women that have brought to light issues of gender equality and
  justice
• Invest in the next generation of films and filmmakers driving progress for gender equality and justice

Supporters

Thank you to the Chong Family, Horizon Foundation, Snow Foundation and Emily’s Wish Foundation for supporting the development of the Women’s Voices initiative, and to Shark Island Institute and Shark Island Kangaroo Valley for hosting the launch event and filmmaker lab.