About
Learn about our story and mission.
Women’s Forum Australia is an independent think tank that undertakes research, education and public policy development on social, economic, health and cultural issues affecting women and girls.
Women’s Forum Australia is non-partisan and does not support any political party, candidate or election campaign.
We work to prevent and address practices and behaviours that are harmful and abusive to women and girls, particularly those who are disadvantaged, marginalised or vulnerable. We promote policies and practical initiatives that protect their health, safety, dignity and wellbeing.
Through research, education and advocacy, we encourage evidence-based public policy and informed public discussion about issues affecting women and girls.
Women’s Forum Australia grew out of a gathering of more than 750 women in December 2004. The gathering sought fresh initiatives to support women who were pregnant in difficult circumstances and provide them with real alternatives that would not present a risk to their health and wellbeing.
The forum demonstrated strong grassroots support for a new organisation, and following this momentum, a founding board was established in 2005.
Our Legal Structure
Women's Forum Australia Ltd (ACN 115 589 225), a non-profit company limited by guarantee, was established in 2005 to pursue charitable objects and specifically to act as the trustee of trusts established in pursuit of charitable objects. The Company does not undertake activities in its own right.
Women’s Forum Australia has established two trusts for which it is the Trustee.
The Women's Forum Australia Harm Prevention Charitable Trust (ABN 88 737 954 501) is a registered charity regulated by the ACNC and endorsed as a Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR). The principal activity of the Trust is the promotion of the prevention or the control of behaviour that is harmful or abusive to human beings as described in Section 30-288 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997. Behaviour that is harmful or abusive to human beings is defined as emotional abuse, sexual abuse, physical abuse, suicide, self-harm, substance abuse, and harmful gambling.
The Trust is administered by the Trustee of the Trust, Women's Forum Australia Ltd, under the terms of the Women's Forum Australia Harm Prevention Charitable Trust Deed.
Women’s Forum Australia Ltd is also the Trustee of the Women’s Forum Australia Charitable Trust (ABN 59 905 181 932). This Trust was established to pursue charitable purposes and is regulated by the ACNC, but does not have DGR status. This trust may be used from time to time where charitable activities are undertaken and these activities are not principally harm prevention activities.
“Women’s Forum Australia” is the public-facing name used for activities undertaken by the two charitable trusts. Where an activity is principally directed to the prevention or control of specified harmful or abusive behaviour, it may be undertaken by the Women’s Forum Australia Harm Prevention Charitable Trust. Other charitable research, education and public-policy activities may be undertaken by the Women’s Forum Australia Charitable Trust. Activities are allocated having regard to the purposes and governing document of each trust.