Women’s Health Week is a weeklong campaign held nationwide, focusing on improving women’s mental and physical health. Every year, thousands of online and in-person events will be held to promote women’s health, as a reminder to take some time and consider your health and wellbeing.
It is important to pay attention to women’s health. Women can often neglect their own health and needs while focusing on the care of others. On average:
- One in three women experience anxiety and one in four women experience depression. Women with disability are more likely to have both anxiety and depression.
- One in two women have one or more chronic conditions.
- One in three women aged 25 to 44 years old do not have enough time to attend healthcare appointments.
- 40% of women cannot afford healthcare when they need it.
- Women with disability are more than twice as likely to experience discrimination when accessing healthcare.
- The leading cause of death for 15- to 44-year-old women is suicide.
The hardest step in seeking help is the first one and Women’s Health Week aims to make this step as approachable as possible.
Everyone has a role to play in reducing gender bias towards women’s health services. In fact, there are several ways to prioritise women’s health. You can create flexible working hours that allow women to access healthcare, reduce the gender pay gap so everyone can afford healthcare, or connect with a provider that will put you first.
One way to get started is by getting involved in Women’s Health Week.
Women’s Health Week is 5th to 11th September 2022
Women’s Health Week was created by Jean Hailes, an Australian not-for-profit organisation inspired by Dr Jean Hailes, which provides health resources for women across the country. Dr Jean Hailes created the first Australian (and second in the world) women’s health clinic dedicated to menopause. They are regarded throughout Australia as the leader in women’s healthcare.
This year, Women’s Health Week celebrates its tenth year after its overwhelming success in 2021. 2277 events were held across the country, with over 127,000 people in attendance. 36% of those events were held in regional and remote areas.
This year’s campaign will run from the 5th to the 11th of September, with five of the days having a specific theme: an aspect of women’s health to focus on that day.
What is happening?
Day 1 (5th of September): Check me out
This day will focus on health checks and how those change for different ages.
Day 2 (6th of September): Menopause matters
This day will focus on menopause and perimenopause. There will be talks with experts on how to manage your symptoms, what to ask your GP as well as tips on how to navigate this stage of your life.
Day 3 (7th of September): Pelvic power
This day will focus on pelvic pain and the pelvic floor. You will learn about the causes of pelvic pain and related issues, as well as how to improve your pelvic floor health.
Day 4 (8th of September): Mind health
This day will focus on mental health and wellbeing, along with brain health. You will be exploring a range of topics such as anxiety, brain fog, dementia, and being a new mum. You will also learn some easy changes you can make to improve your mental health.
Day 5 (9th of September): Move and improve
This day will focus on physical activity and its positive effects on the body and brain. You will also be given tips on how to add physical activity to your daily life.
How can I get involved?
There are multiple ways to get involved in Women’s Health Week. If you sign up on the Women’s Health Week website, every day of the week they will send you women’s health news, events, and even recipes. You can also create or share posts on social media related to women’s health, attend events, or even host your own.
Anyone can host an event, and there are resources provided to help you if you get stuck. Once you plan your event, you can register it on their website. As an event host, you will receive a range of offers, including a free website listing for your event.
There is plenty of promotional material available for you to check out and use, and there are also three versions of the promotional toolkits available. There is the standard promotional version, an accessible edition, and an Indigenous edition.
These toolkits include many resources such as:
- bunting
- email signatures
- letterheads
- nametags
- banners
- posters
- and more.
There are also social media resources available in several different languages.
You can help Jean Hailes continue their work by donating. These donations help them reach more women and gender-diverse people, especially those in need of health resources.
Put yourself first
This Women’s Health Week, be sure to make time for yourself and take care of your body and mind. Reschedule that appointment you missed, look up counselling services, and talk to your GP about any concerns you might have. It is time to focus on your own health and needs and put them first.
As Dr Jean Hailes liked to say, “If a woman is in good health, her family, community, and the society around her also benefit.”
There is an extensive list of resources available on the Jean Hailes website. These cover a range of topics on women’s health, including endometriosis, sex and sexual health, and breast health.
We know how hard it can be to put yourself and your health first. Between work and looking for work, it can be difficult to make the time to think about your mental and physical health.
To make this journey simpler, why not connect with a provider that will put you first? When you choose EPIC Assist as your Disability Employment Services (DES) provider, we will put your goals first and help you find a job that is right for you, your health, your lifestyle, and (most importantly) your happiness.
If you have a disability, injury, mental health condition, or health condition, get in touch with EPIC Assist today to find out how we can help you. and make it more accessible.
