Our history
Over 40 years experience in addressing gender equity!
A radical vision
In 1983, a group of remarkable women were united by a shared vision: give women a sense of self-agency by providing them free information and referral services and empower them to make choices over their own lives.
These women became the founders of WIRE. Underpinned by a feminist philosophy, WIRE was formed through the combined efforts of individual women and organisations in response to the many questions women had, concerning major life choices and their basic human rights.
The vision of a free service run by women, for women became the Women’s Information and Referral Exchange (WIRE) and officially opened its doors on International Women’s Day in 1984.
Like most organisations, WIRE has changed over the year. Countless women and gender diverse people have worked or volunteered at WIRE. We have worked at different offices. We have changed our logo multiple times. Our services have evolved, and we have expanded our reach. We have grown our programs to address the social and structural inequalities impacting women and gender diverse people. Research projects, community initiatives, professional training, and advocacy are some of the services added over the years.
While some things have changed, some important things continue to be at the core of WIRE’s services. We kept our phone room and continue to provide free support to the community. We continue to amplify the voices of those who are often silenced. We continue to speak up, march, rally, write letters, hold meetings, and run events to advocate for structural change. We continue to listen to those who are impacted by gender inequity, to take the lead when necessary, and to stand behind or beside our allies when they need us.
We have also learned some important lessons. We have learnt that progress and change is nuanced. That achieving gender equity does not look or feel the same for everyone. That sometimes as we advance, too often many of us are still excluded, or ignored. We know now that feminism is not one thing. That issues we once saw as separate are in fact intersecting and interconnected.
We are now known simply as WIRE and provide services to all women and gender diverse people. We continue to advocate for change and work towards a just and inclusive society where all people can thrive.
learn more about WIRE history
WIRE's 40 Year Timeline
A quick summary of WIRE’s highlights and achievements since 1984.
