18–21 May 2010, Hobart, Tasmania

WHIN staff recently attended the sixth Australian Women’s Health conference held in Hobart which offered a wonderful opportunity for us to learn about the exciting work being undertaken in Women’s Health in other countries and around Australia and to showcase some of WHIN’s work and thinking as well.

The major focus of the Conference, entitled Women’s Health: The New National Agenda, was to continue the work of getting women’s health as a priority issue onto the public agenda. It provided an opportunity for individuals, organisations and services involved in, and concerned with women’s health to contribute to international dialogue, share ideas, knowledge and practice.

WHIN presented three papers at the Conference.

The Family and Reproductive Rights Education Program (FARREP) and Why it Matters (Presented by Koula Neophytou)

The Family and Reproductive Rights Education Program (FARREP) is a state-wide program that aims to provide culturally appropriate intervention to prevent the occurrence of female genital mutilation (FGM) in Australia, and to assist women and girls living in Australia who have already been subjected to this practice. With a focus on those most at risk, the program targets all communities that practice FGM. In addition, the program also targets health and other related professionals who work with the affected communities. FARREP works in secondary schools with young women who come from Horn of Africa cultures where FGM is known to be practiced.  A series of health education activities are undertaken on sexual and reproductive health, such as relationships, contraception, menstruation, pregnancy and Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI).  WHIN also works in partnership with hospitals and other health providers to organise and conduct health day events, seminars and workshops.

To read the full paper click here.

Does Combining Health Promotion and Feminist Frameworks Equal Better Health Outcomes for Women? (Presented by Kerryn Lewis and Anna Stewart)

Feminism appears to have slipped off the radar in the last few years fed in part by perceptions that all the battles have been won. While there are many definitions of feminism perhaps the most simple is that it is about achieving equality of opportunity and equality of access for women. Health promotion also challenges inequalities and aims to strengthen health outcomes offering tools and approaches that lead to positive social change. Yet, while women have made many gains, including in the area of health, we are still to achieve full equality.

This paper explores the possibilities, opportunities and challenges of combining both health promotion and feminist frameworks to achieve more equitable health outcomes for women.

To read the full paper click here.

More than Rates, Roads and Rubbish… The Road to Women’s Health in Local Government (Presented by Bridie Hudson)

In November of 2008, for the first time, all Victorian councils held their elections simultaneously, presenting an opportunity to put women’s health on the local political agenda. In the lead up to the elections, the Local Government Capacity Building Project set out to achieve this goal. WHIN developed the Safe, Well and Connected: Victorian Local Government Action Plan for Women's Health 2008-2012 which outlined nine actions for local governments to enhance women’s health and wellbeing in their municipality. Candidates were asked to commit to this plan prior to the elections. Once elected, they were briefed about women’s health needs and local government’s role in promoting these. WHIN developed the Best Practice Guide to Women's Health in Local Government to resource councils to incorporate these into their policy, planning and service delivery frameworks. WHIN has assisted other Victorian women’s health services to carry out similar projects in their respective regions.

To read the full paper click here.