Key Takeaways from Women's Health Week: Why Prioritising Women's Health Matters in 2023

It's Women's Health Week, and I had the privilege to attend a breakfast organised by Women's Agenda. It was a not-so-gentle reminder about the significance of women's health and how vastly under-served women are by the medical profession. 

I was grateful to share the morning with the remarkable Kath Elliott. As a breast cancer survivor and an Alcohol Coach, Kath's mission is vitally important. She's determined to shift mindsets about alcohol use, especially emphasising its potentially dangerous health outcomes for women, including its strong connection to breast cancer.

The Wake-Up Call from Women's Agenda

Angela Priestley, cofounder of Womens Agenda, started the event with some eye-opening statistics from the latest poll on women's health.

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Two figures were especially startling:

• 44% of women can't afford a doctor's visit
• A whopping 75% of women feel their health and well-being aren't a priority for their employer.
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These were just two recent insights you can read more about here.

Voices from the Panel

The panel was an ensemble of experts from diverse fields. It included Dr. Nisha Khot, who had a powerful quote about the importance of women in decision-making.

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"If you're not at the table, you're on the menu."

We must have more representation and focus on women in the medical profession. It's no longer acceptable for women to endure vague, nebulous medical advice or, in some awful cases, dangerously inaccurate and life-threatening advice. 

We heard how employers can actively support the health and well-being of the women in their workplaces, which includes providing for women at all life stages, including reproductive health, pregnancy loss and menopause. One of the strategies discussed was to have peer support mechanisms in the workplace for the various aspects of women's health so that women from all walks of life and identities experiencing health issues feel seen, validated and supported instead of hiding or downplaying significant health issues. 

The federal Assistant Minister for Health, Ged Kearney, gave voice to the multitude of stories of women navigating health challenges:

• Every woman's health story is of utmost importance.
• Unfortunately, countless tales echo gender discrimination in healthcare.
• There's a glaring void in research about women's health. Here's a shocking fact: hysteria in women was recognised as a medical condition until 1980!
• Kearney stressed the need for comprehensive and equitable healthcare access, especially for First Nations women, those in rural areas, and women from marginalised backgrounds.
• She emphasised the importance of impact-driven work and the urgency to empower women - Encouraging open conversations about health issues and breaking societal taboos. And, increasing safety in healthcare, focusing on violence against women and its health implications
  

A Call to Action

For Employers

1. Reflect: Is your workplace truly conducive to women's well-being?
2. Don't just ponder; ask the women around you.
3. Identify the shortcomings and work on bridging the gaps.
   

For Men

Dismantle age-old gendered notions about women's health. Advocate for the women in your life, ensuring they have adequate sleep, exercise, and regular health check-ups.

For Women and non-binary people

Your story matters. Share your journey with the National Women's Health Advisory Council. Link HERE‍

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Together, let's redefine the narrative. Women's health is not solely a woman's concern but a shared responsibility that affects families, communities, and future generations. Men, stand beside your mothers, sisters, partners, and daughters, advocating for their right to comprehensive care. Women, continue raising your voices and know you are not alone in this fight. Prioritising women's health isn't just about advancing gender equality; it's about forging a brighter, healthier, and more resilient future for all humans. Please share this article with your family, friends, colleagues, your boss and perhaps even your member of parliament!

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