Women-only spaces are increasingly thriving across Australia, catering to a diverse range of needs and activities. From reading retreats to gyms, these environments provide women with opportunities for fellowship, relaxation, and empowerment, all while addressing the unique challenges they face in everyday life.
In 2024, Amy Hart and Crystal Wells launched A Place to Pause, a series of women-only reading retreats based in Victoria. Their initiative stemmed from a personal desire for a guilt-free reading experience. “We were both juggling busy lives, and while we always had great intentions to read during our downtime, the pile of laundry or the demands of work often called louder than our books,” Hart explains. The retreats aim to create a supportive environment where women can indulge in reading without distractions.
Legally, women-only spaces are permitted under specific conditions despite the broader protections against sex discrimination outlined in Australia’s Sex Discrimination Act. According to Beth Gaze, an expert in anti-discrimination law at the University of Melbourne, such spaces require exemptions from this act as well as from the Equal Opportunity Act in Victoria. One prominent example is Fernwood Fitness Studios, which secured its status as a women-only gym on the grounds that many women felt uncomfortable in mixed-gender environments.
The complexities surrounding these exemptions have sparked discussions among lawmakers. Gaze notes, “It’s a bit of a mess. It should be sorted out, but politicians can only see lost votes and trouble, so they are not in a hurry to go there.”
As women-only spaces gain popularity, several noteworthy examples have emerged. At McIver’s Ladies Baths in Coogee Beach, Sydney, women and children can enjoy an ocean rock pool reserved exclusively for them. Established in 1876, the baths provide a sanctuary where women can swim without judgment or intrusion. Randwick and Coogee Ladies Swimming Association president Alex Bowen emphasizes the importance of this space, stating, “Protecting this women-only space ensures future generations inherit the same freedom.”
Another successful initiative, Disco Club, was founded by friends Sarah Wills and Lise Carlaw in November 2022. The duo organized a dance event in Brisbane that quickly expanded into a national phenomenon, hosting sell-out events in major cities like Sydney and Melbourne. “Disco Club is everything we miss about clubbing, and nothing we don’t,” Wills notes, highlighting the joy and sense of community that emerge in these women-only dance spaces.
For professional women, One Roof, located in Melbourne’s Southbank, serves as a dedicated co-working community for female entrepreneurs. Co-founder Frances Goh describes the initiative’s origins as a response to the urgent need for equal access to networks and resources. Women at One Roof report feeling a shared momentum and support that fosters a collaborative environment.
Travel options have also expanded for women, with Sisterhood Women’s Travel offering tours designed specifically for female travelers. Founder Hayley Morris recalls how her company legally operated under an exemption from the Equal Opportunity Act in its early days, citing the need for safety and comfort among women travelers. “Over the years, we’ve had many women from domestic violence backgrounds who have traveled and regained their wings,” she proudly reflects.
In the fitness domain, Empowa Fitness was established in 2014 in Erskine Park, New South Wales, with the vision of creating a supportive space for women from diverse backgrounds. Co-founder Dev Krishna notes that a women-only gym environment encourages connection and community, allowing members to build strength and confidence free from intimidation.
As women-only spaces continue to flourish across Australia, they reflect a growing recognition of the importance of safe, inclusive environments. These spaces not only empower women but also foster connections that enhance their well-being and personal growth.
