Sexual and Reproductive Rights

Our work focuses on two areas of sexual and reproductive rights: improving the health and wellbeing of women and girls from communities within which the practice of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is known to occur; and working in collaboration with high schools to help students understand and explore issues of sexuality and diversity.

Family and Reproductive Rights Education Program (FARREP)

Educating young women about sexual health

FARREP aims to improve the physical and mental health and wellbeing of women and girls from communities within which the practice of FGM is known to occur. The activities of Women’s Health In the North (WHIN), as part of this statewide program, include community education for women and girls from affected communities and professional training for local health providers.

WHIN’s FARREP Secondary Schools Project targets schools with an identified population of young women aged 12 to 18 who are known to come from Horn of Africa cultures where FGM is practised. Our FARREP worker and school nurses undertake our school health education activities jointly. Education sessions include sexual and reproductive health topics such as relationships, contraception, periods, pregnancy and STIs.  WHIN also works in partnership with local hospitals such as The Northern Hospital to deliver education sessions to staff in local hospitals and other health providers in the form of health day events, seminars and workshops.

All activities aim to raise awareness and improve understanding of the specific health needs of women and girls.