INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL OF WOMEN HABITAT REPORT

By Wendy Rainbird, April 2026.

Safety of shelter during wars and conflicts.

Many of us are seeing the distressing images of people’s homes being destroyed due to wars and conflicts. When safe shelter is lost, women and girls are put in very vulnerable situations.

Prior to the  recent conflicts and missiles or drones’ strikes, there have been people displaced from where they live. We have seen images of huddled groups of women and children sitting on the ground, in places like Sudan. Missiles and drones are still, as of April 2026, displacing people from their homes in the Ukraine. UNHCR estimates that as of December 2024, 8.8 million people had been forcibly displaced. Over 5 million as refugees in other countries, and at least 3.6 million internally displaced in Ukraine. ((Ref UNHCR

Even prior to early 2026 conflicts and wars, “Forced displacement reached a record 123.2 million people worldwide in 2024, driven by conflict, persecution, human rights violations, and instability, according to the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR). The agency’s Global Trends report highlights the rise in displacement, with Sudan now facing the world’s largest displacement crisis due to escalating violence.”

Other impacted countries include Venezuela, Syria, Afghanistan, Ukraine, Myanmar, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), South Sudan, and Haiti — each facing complex emergencies that have uprooted millions of lives. (ref worldvision.org “Forced to flee.”)

World Vision’s new report Out in the Cold examines how this trend will likely impact three of the world’s biggest humanitarian crises as displaced female-headed households from or within Ukraine, Syria and Afghanistan will seek to cope with the harsh climate conditions of winter.

The study finds that the rising costs of commodities and winter essentials puts displaced female-headed households at greater risk than other vulnerable groups because of the social stigmas they face, and because help is often out of reach…Female-headed households disproportionately struggle to cope with harsh winter conditions.

( https://www.worldvision.org/about-us/media-center/mental-health-of-women-forced-to-flee-ukraine-syria-and-afghanistan-is-set-to-deteriorate-this-winter-world-vision-warns)

The report found that female-headed households attempt to cope with poverty in the winter months by reducing food consumption, taking on dangerous debt burdens, sending their underage children to work, and selling their underage daughters into marriage or sex work. As temperatures hit life-threatening lows, female heads of household are also forced to make the choice between heating their homes and buying food — or else putting their health and their family’s health at risk by using last-resort heating methods. A situation can have detrimental impacts on their mental health.(https://www.worldvision.org/about-us/media-center/mental-health-of-women-forced-to-flee-ukraine-syria-and-afghanistan-is-set-to-deteriorate-this-winter-world-vision-warns)

When we see news reports of 1.2 million people displaced out of a population of 5 million, as in Lebanon, such displacement is shocking.

The international Council of Women should add its important voice to the Unted Nations, reiterating the Secretary-General: ”International law, including international humanitarian law, must be respected at all times. Civilians and civilian objects must be protected at all times, and attacks directed against them are unacceptable.” (UN Geneva).

The National Council of Women Australia Mid-Term Conference will bring together members, leaders, and advocates from across the country to discuss the issues shaping the lives of women in Australia today. The two-day event commencing Sunday 28th June 2026 to Monday 29th June 2026 will provide space for dialogue, collaboration, and strategic thinking as we continue to advance equality, representation, and opportunity for women.

More details to follow.

The National Council of Women Australia Mid-Term Conference will bring together members, leaders, and advocates from across the country to discuss the issues shaping the lives of women in Australia today. The two-day event commencing Sunday 28th June 2026 to Monday 29th June 2026 will provide space for dialogue, collaboration, and strategic thinking as we continue to advance equality, representation, and opportunity for women.

More details to follow.

Any questions, please contact: 

NCWA Secretary
Email: info@ncwa.org.au

Media Release: National Council of Women Australia International Women’s Day 2026 – Balance the Scales

The National Council of Women of Australia (NCWA) stands firmly with the United Nations’ 2026 theme, “Balance the Scales.”

For 130 years, National Councils of Women across Australia have worked to represent the voices of Australian women to identify barriers and advocate for legal and policy reforms to all levels of government.

Whilst progress has been made, NCWA recognises that even modernised economies fail to secure all rights needed for women’s full economic and social participation. As highlighted in the World Bank’s “Women, Business and the Law 2026” report, less than 5% of women globally have near-full legal equality and persistent barriers including safety, childcare, and entrepreneurial support result in under-representation and lower participation of women in global economies. NCWA’s work aligns with these realities.

President Fiona Dorman said, “Balancing the Scales means removing legal barriers and unlocking levers for economic growth, improving systems to support women to access education, technology, healthcare and employment.”

In these times of rising conflict and instability, climate change and disaster and the rolling-back of hard-won rights, women and girls bear lasting effects. That’s why the advocacy work of NCWA continues to push for balancing the scales. Our work spanning human rights to sustainable development, communication, social issues to well-being, will continue to advocate on behalf of all women.

We call on all Australians: lend your voice. It’s never been more crucial to join your state or territory’s National Council of Women. Visit ncwa.org.au and help balance the scales for a fairer, more secure future for all.

 Fiona Dorman

President  – National Council of Women Australia

READ MORE

Joint Statement from Australia’s Peak Women’s Organisations

As Leaders and National Presidents of BPW Australia (Business and Professional Women Australia), the National Council of Women Australia, Soroptimist International Australia, and Zonta Australia, the peak women’s organisations in Australia with a long history of advocacy for women’s rights and human rights, we write together at a time of profound national grief.

As organisations committed to human rights, peace, and the wellbeing of women and girls, we unequivocally condemn this violence and reaffirm our commitment to inclusion, compassion, and community safety for all.

Gillian Lewis, President of BPW Australia, said violence motivated by hate has no place in Australia.
“Leadership at times like this means standing together to protect human rights, dignity, and the safety of every community,” she said.

In the wake of the most devastating terrorist attack of the 21st century in Australia, people of all cultures and faiths are coming together to mourn. We extend our deepest and heartfelt condolences to Jewish communities across Australia, acknowledging the profound distress caused by the horrific terrorist attack on Hanukkah celebrations at Bondi on 14 December.

Fiona Dorman, President of the National Council of Women Australia, said the tragedy underscored a shared responsibility across society.
“Our hearts are with Australia’s Jewish communities. This moment reminds us of the responsibility we all share to reject division and to actively foster understanding, empathy, and respect,” she said.

We stand in solidarity with all communities who are hurting and reaffirm our shared commitment to dignity, safety, and mutual respect.

Australians are mourning the loss of innocent lives and reflecting on the devastating impact this violence has had on individuals, families, and communities. This tragedy has deeply shaken our nation and caused immense pain to those directly affected, as well as to Australia as a whole. There should be no place in Australia for hatred or violence directed at Jewish communities, or at any community.

Terry Maunsell, President of Soroptimist International Australia, said history showed the importance of collective leadership.
“Australia is strongest when leaders act together in moments of crisis. This is a time for unity, compassion, and decisive action to ensure all communities feel safe,” she said.

We are deeply shocked and saddened by the violent attack targeting those attending a Hanukkah event at Bondi Beach. This moment calls for unity, empathy, and care. We call on our leaders to work together in unity for the sake of all Australians.

Across the country, Australians are demanding more for and from their nation: to remember lives lost, to recognise acts of bravery, and to call for reflection and positive action from those in positions of power.

Bridget Mather, Chair of Zonta Australia, said women’s organisations had a critical role to play in moments such as this.
“Women’s organisations have a vital role in calling out hatred and strengthening social cohesion. We must confront antisemitism and all forms of racism while reaffirming our commitment to inclusion, peace, and community safety,” she said.

This is a time for national leadership – including from politicians and community leaders at all levels – to actively promote unity. It is not a time for divisive or politicised commentary, but for fostering understanding, empathy, and community, and for taking appropriate national action.

As women’s organisations, we recognise the vital role civil society plays in fostering compassion, promoting human rights, and supporting communities in times of crisis. We advocate for and celebrate equity, diversity, respect, and inclusion for all.

In honouring those whose lives were lost, we reaffirm our shared commitment to building a safe, inclusive, and respectful Australia. Australia must actively reject racism in all its forms, with an urgent focus on addressing antisemitism, while also recognising the importance of confronting islamophobia, fascism, and discrimination against migrants and First Nations peoples – particularly where it involves threats, hatred, or violence.

Australians remember that following the Port Arthur massacre, Australians came together and our political leaders worked as one to provide solace, strength, and hope. Australia needs that same unity to happen again – Now!

We thank leaders who have already stood up and called for unity, and we call on all Australians to contribute to a culture of respect and care, so that our nation may heal and move forward together.

Signed,

Gillian Lewis
President, BPW Australia

Fiona Dorman
President, National Council of Women Australia

Terry Maunsell
President, Soroptimist International Australia

Bridget Mather
President, Zonta Australia

Dear National Council of Women Members, Sisters and Friends,

The National Council of Women of Australia is devastated and deeply shocked by the senseless and tragic terrorist attack at Bondi Beach on Sunday 14 December, occurring on a day of celebration for the Jewish community.

We extend our deepest condolences to the families and friends of those whose lives have been lost, to those who are injured, and to the Jewish community across Australia. Our hearts are with you.

Our thoughts are with our members and sisters of the National Council of Jewish Women Australia, and with Jewish community at this time of profound grief.

We recognise that this Hanukkah will be marked by sorrow and uncertainty for many Jewish Australians, and we stand with you in support and compassion.

We thank all first responders and community members who placed the safety of others before their own, and whose actions provided comfort, protection and lifesaving assistance.

The National Council of Women of Australia, together with our State and Territory Councils, stands firmly against all forms of violence and hatred, grounded in our longstanding advocacy for human rights and gender equality and our commitment to safeguarding the rights, respect and safety of all communities.

This time calls on us, as a broader Australian community, to walk in solidarity, with compassion, understanding and unity in our hearts, ensuring that hatred will never define nor divide us. Read more...

At COP30 the United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres said: “Protecting forests and oceans is not charity. It is a legal and moral responsibility. Let’s honour that duty. By safeguarding these foundations of life; investing in nature’s recovery, and ensuring that people and planet thrive together_ now and for generations to come.”(7/11.025)

ICW uses the United Nations definition of Habitat as human settlements and urban areas. We know there are other habitats where other species have their homes, like a tree, a forest or forested mountain ranges. The broader contexts for our human habitats are the ecosystems in which we live, which impact our habitats, and in turn we have impacts on those ecosystems.

Of course, globally we need to ”take urgent action to combat climate change’ (SDG 13). We need to consider also, more regional and local habitats and ecosystems, like water catchments and forested areas.

In places where there are likely to be more severe droughts, then how we store and manage water matters. This is happening for Tehran. Countries experiencing water supply stress are: Bahrain, Kuwait, Lebanon, Cyprus, Oman and Qatar. Management of water supplies,  reducing over-extraction are important factors.

Typhoons (hurricanes or tropical cyclones) have been smashing into Vietnam, and have wreaked havoc in the Philippines. A news report about Cebu showed, once again, roads as raging rivers, homes and businesses inundated or smashed, and a brief reference to deforestation/ mass logging of forests. One report noted “For generations, Cebu was covered in thick mountain forests that protected the land. Those forests held the soil, absorbed heavy rain, and slowed down water before it reached the lowlands.” “Today, less than 2% of Cebu’s natural forest remains.”

“What we are seeing now is not just a natural disaster. It is the result of choices made long before the storm formed over the sea.” (Ref Cebu Technological University).

What happens in nearby habitats and ecosystems can and does have consequences elsewhere.

What happens to surviving women and girls if their home is smashed, they probably have no money, water is contaminated, and their losses would cause great distress and put them in vulnerable situations?

We need to examine and question regional and local governments about:

1. Ensuring all people including women and girls receive sufficient early warning alerts.
2. Retention or restoration of forests as critical habitats.
3. Restoration of riparian zones, which are the zones along river banks and water courses.
4. Keeping urban drains clear of debris and rubbish.
5. Providing for flood outflow. For example, river silt build-up can choke river outflows.
6. Providing for women and girls to have safe shelters in the aftermath of disasters.

National Councils of Women can take active roles in raising these issues regionally and locally.