Today is the last day of 16 Days of Activism and Human Rights Day and we would like to mark this by launching our Equality for All podcast series of women’s stories of diversity in regional Victoria. Hear African Australian woman and Equality for All Advocate Joy, talk about how she ‘calls it out’ on her past experiences struggling to gain respect and to have her skills and knowledge recognised in work places because of her migrant background.
Download or listen to the podcast here.
Women’s Health Grampians expresses great dismay and disappointment over the destruction of significant trees on Djab Wurrung land in recent days, and the treatment of those who have sought to preserve this important cultural heritage.
WHG recognises the fundamental significance of cultural traditions, beliefs and connection to country for the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal people. As a women’s health service, we absolutely and firmly recognise the significance of birthing on country and the importance of healthcare for women and children that is culturally appropriate, accessible, integrated and sustainable and responsible to the cultural norms and values of Aboriginal women and babies.
This commitment and recognition cannot be seen as anything but intrinsic to the stance that the Djab Wurrung Embassy has taken over the past two and a half years. We recognise the significance of the birthing trees and of the impact of colonization on the country and the people that own and love it and have been here for thousands of years before us.
Photo source: Facebook
Our first ever Zoom AGM will be held from 12noon-1:15pm on Wednesday 18th November 2020.
We are delighted to announce that Libby Lyons, Director, Workplace Gender Equality Agency will be the guest speaker. WHG Equality Advocates will also be making a presentation, followed by a short panel discussion with an opportunity for Q&A.
RSVP by 11th November at bit.ly/WHG2020AGM
If you didn’t get to watch the Webinar live, tune in to our recording to see WHG staff Shannon Hill and Marieke Dam talk with Carolyn Mogharbel, Manager 1800 My Options and Jo Labbett, Women’s SRH Nurse Coordinator, Ballarat Community Health and how they have been responding to women’s sexual and reproductive health needs throughout the pandemic.
These are strange times for our region, and across the world, as we are reminded of how our own health and wellbeing in so linked to the health and wellbeing of everyone in our community. Women’s Health Grampians is exploring what this pandemic may mean for gender equality, sexual and reproductive health and the prevention of violence against women, and we will share relevant information and resources with you over the next few weeks.
For now, our thoughts are with women across our region who may be experiencing considerable uncertainty, stress and the escalation of family violence as a result of COVID 19 and the measures that have been put in place to reduce its spread.
Below is a brief list of services that continue to operate in Victoria that can provide support, advice and assistance at this time. And, as always, if you or someone you know is in immediate danger or requires police attendance, call POLICE 000.
Safe Steps – 1800 015 188 https://www.safesteps.org.au/
Assists Victorian women and their children who are experiencing family violence through a 24/7 phoneline and specialist support services.
1800 RESPECT – 1800 737 732 https://www.1800respect.org.au
National sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service, open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
1800 MY OPTIONS – 1800 696 794 https://www.1800myoptions.org.au/
For information about contraception, pregnancy options and sexual health in Victoria.
