Empowering women doesn’t just mean being supportive of women, it also means being involved in issues that impact them.
Women’s Health Week runs from Monday, September 2, to Friday, September 6, with Nexus Primary Health partnering with Jean Hailes for Women’s Health to empower women and raise awareness about crucial health issues.
This year's theme, ‘Your voice. Your choice’, underscores the critical importance of women’s autonomy in their healthcare journey.
Nexus Primary Health’s community engagement co-ordinator Alice Linklater said the service provider was addressing a range of women’s health topics throughout the week.
These include reproductive and sexual health, mental wellbeing, menopause, chronic conditions and lifestyle factors like diet and exercise.
“Each day of the week focuses on a different topic, offering new resources, checklists, podcasts and personal stories that aim to educate and support women in managing their health,” she said.
“The week also seeks to break down stigmas and barriers that often prevent women from seeking help or talking about their health concerns.”
Women’s Health Week is a chance for the community to be involved in and aware of women's health.
“This creates a supportive environment where women feel empowered to seek help and make informed decisions about their health,” Ms Linklater said.
“By raising awareness and encouraging open discussions, we can reduce the stigma surrounding various health issues and ensure that women have access to the resources and support they need.
“When a community is informed and engaged, it can advocate more effectively for services and policies that address women’s unique health needs, ultimately improving public health for everyone.”
“The empowerment subcommittee of the National Women’s Health Advisory Council has highlighted the principles of voice, choice and power, which are core to Women’s Health Week.
“These principles can transform the relationship between women and their healthcare providers, leading to better health outcomes for women and the broader community.”
She said individuals and communities could increase their knowledge about women’s health by engaging with the resources provided during Women’s Health Week.
Visiting the Jean Hailes website, attending events and taking part in educational sessions are great ways to stay informed.
Jean Hailes for Women's Health, a national not-for-profit, bridges the gap between complex medical research and everyday understanding.
It translates cutting-edge science into practical advice, inspiring women and girls to enhance their physical health and overall wellbeing.
“Nexus Primary Health, for example, provides access to a wealth of information through its service providers, including consultations with GPs and nurses at our Sexual Health Hub in Wallan,” Ms Linklater said.
“Additionally, our planned bilingual women’s health session later in the year will be an excellent opportunity for community members to learn more about women’s health in a culturally sensitive and inclusive environment.”
This year’s theme of “Your voice. Your choice” is an important reminder that women’s health matters and their voices deserve to be heard.
“This week, we encourage all women to take the time to prioritise their health, seek out the information they need and never hesitate to ask for help,” Ms Linklater said.
“Whether you have a specific health concern or want to learn more about maintaining a healthy lifestyle, Nexus Primary Health is here to support you not just for this week, but all year round.
“Together, we can break down barriers, reduce stigma and ensure that every woman in our community has the knowledge and resources she needs to make informed health choices.
“Your voice. Your choice. Let’s make it count.”