Her right, her health

All newly arrived refugee women have a 1 to 1 discussion with our women's health nurses

Our women's health program empowers newly arrived refugees and asylum seekers. Facilitated by our women's health nurses, this targeted education provides women with the vital knowledge and confidence required to navigate the Australian healthcare system and take control of their health from day one.

For many women seeking refuge in Australia, the journey to resettlement is long and complex. Often arriving from parts of the world with little to no access to formal healthcare provision, they face an entirely new system while recovering from the impacts of displacement, trauma, and uncertainty.

Navigating a complex medical landscape in a new country can be incredibly daunting, which is why early intervention and culturally responsive health education are so critical. Our program ensures that newly arrived women are equipped with the knowledge and tools they need to prioritize their wellbeing from their very first days in the community.

What the Program Covers

Led by an expert women's health nurse, our educational sessions break down essential aspects of the Australian healthcare system. We create a safe, supportive, and empowering environment where women can learn about and discuss crucial topics, including:

• Family Planning & Contraception: Understanding reproductive rights, spacing pregnancies, and navigating the different contraceptive options available in Australia.

• Sexual Health: Information on sexually transmitted infections (STIs), safe sex practices, and bodily autonomy.

• Cervical Cancer Screening: Demystifying preventative health screenings, explaining the Cervical Screening Test (including self-collected swab options), and emphasizing why routine checks save lives.

• Menopause Care: Recognizing the signs and symptoms of menopause, understanding the normal bodily changes associated with aging, and learning how to access support and treatments.

• Domestic & Family Violence: Providing crucial awareness about healthy relationships, recognizing the signs of abuse, and outlining the legal rights, safety plans, and support services available in Australia.

Empowering Women Through Knowledge

Many attendees have never had access to preventative care or routine health screenings. In their countries of origin, interacting with the medical system may have been entirely reactive—only sought out in cases of severe illness or childbirth. Our program shifts this paradigm by building foundational health literacy.

By translating complex medical concepts into accessible, easy-to-understand language, we demystify routine preventive care. We teach women what is considered 'normal,' how to recognize red flags, and exactly how to book and attend appointments with a general practitioner.

Taking Control from Day One

Education is the first step toward true empowerment. By providing these foundational health sessions, we aim to remove the fear and confusion that often surrounds healthcare navigation. When newly arrived women understand their own bodies and know their rights within the Australian health system, they are equipped to make informed decisions about their own health and the health of their families.

Ultimately, our goal is to give these women agency from day one. By fostering a deep understanding of preventive healthcare, we are not only supporting their physical wellbeing but also laying a strong, confident foundation for a successful and healthy life in Australia.

You can help empower women to take control of their own health by donating here.