HISTORY OF NOWSA

The NOWSA conference was established in 1987 upon the ideals of creating a grassroots and autonomous network of students. These students come together from nationwide universities to discuss and work towards managing issues impacting female identifying students.

Every year, NOWSA hosts a conference at a different Australian university. It provides a safe and inclusive space for motivated, leadership-focused attendees to engage with important and timely political, social and cultural issues impacting themselves, peers and contemporary society.

The conference environment allows students to gain and share knowledge, skills and resources facilitated through informative ad empowering panels, workshops and plenaries. Attendees of this year’s conference will also be given networking opportunities and the chance to work together in within groups to develop strategies and advocacy plans with the aim of creating a positive impact for students across the country.

2020 - UNIVERSITY OF WA

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NOWSA 2020's main focus was "We stand for, Equality, Intersectionality and Collectivism." They ran many amazing sessions, even though they had the massive challenge due to covid. They also ran a social media campaign called #shareyourstory, which was highly successful.

2019 - MACQUARIE UNIVERSITY

In 2019 the conference showcased "workshops on women in leadership, unpacking sustainability and storytelling". They truly focused on a wholesome approach to the issues and constantly posted uplifting things on social media. It was the last in-person conference held and was able to give out the cutest little welcome packages.

2018 - UNIVERSITY OF NEWCASTLE

NOWSA 2018 had a powerful message that really focused on "Powerful discussions of equality, media representation and sexual violence connecting students around the country." It was organised by both the Student Union and the womens collective, which shows the amount of time and effort put into this conference.

2017 - AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL UNIVERSITY

The 2017 NOWSA Conference had a very diverse range of topics that it focused on, this included; "Feminism, gender and sexuality, education, work, and international issues." This conference also had a focus on safe spaces and held a lot of different well-being and social events.

2016 - UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY SYDNEY

The 2016 NOWSA conference definitely stands out in one area that the other Conferences don't, the 2016 conference was not afraid to use their voices, with one of the only conferences to end in a protest for student safety and to end the war against women. It had a focus on women's sexual freedoms and equality.

2015 - UNIVERSITY OF TASMANIA

The 2015 NOWSA conference had a lot of different and diverse speakers, including transgender activists, feminist activists, and speakers for women in education. It was held in collaboration with the union and and the women's collective.