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Joint statement on the federal election
We call on all political parties and candidates to commit to ensuring affordable, accessible abortion care in Australia. Abortion is essential healthcare and must be accessible—no matter where you live, who you are, or how much money you have. Australia’s healthcare system is built on the promise of universal access. Yet for many, abortion remains…
Advancing Gender Equity: An opportunity for Australian leadership
Women’s Health in the South East (WHISE) welcomes the Senate’s passage of the Workplace Gender Equality Amendment (Setting Gender Equality Targets) Act 2024 as a meaningful step forward in Australia’s journey toward workplace equity. This legislation opens pathways for organisations to strengthen their foundations through inclusive practices that benefit all stakeholders. The lived reality: When…
Why We Need Both Urgency AND Prevention to End Violence Against Women
By Kit McMahon, CEO of Women’s Health in the South East (WHISE) We’ve all felt that wave of heartbreak and outrage when we hear about another woman killed by violence. The frustration. The anger. The question: why aren’t we doing better? Jess Hill’s recent Quarterly Essay “Losing It” captures this frustration perfectly, questioning whether our…
Building on Strengths: A Response to “Losing It”
Women’s Health in the South East (WHISE) shares a vision with all Australians who work to prevent violence: communities where everyone can live free from harm, where relationships are based on respect, and where children grow up safe and supported. We believe that preventing violence is everyone’s responsibility, requiring sustained commitment across sectors, communities and…
Victoria’s TAFEs and RTOs Called to Champion Respect and Equality in 2025 Campaign
Victoria’s Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector is set to take a leading role in fostering respect, equality, and safe learning environments as part of the 2025 Respect and Equality Campaign. This initiative builds on the success of the 2024 Respect and Equality in TAFE Campaign, expanding its reach to all Registered Training Organisations (RTOs)…
WHISE at WHSN Conference 2024: Strengthening our collective impact
The Victorian Women’s Health Services Network (WHSN) Conference at Melbourne Town Hall on 13 February marked a significant moment for our sector. WHISE joined women’s health leaders from across Victoria to deepen collaboration and strengthen our approach to gender equality. Key themes emerging from the day included: The power of lived experience in shaping services,…
WHISE welcomes historic investment in women’s health
Women’s Health in the South East (WHISE) applauds the Australian Government’s $573.3 million investment in women’s health, which will improve access, reduce costs, and expand choices for women across the country. WHISE CEO, Kit McMahon, said the announcement marks a critical step toward addressing long-standing gaps in women’s healthcare. “This is a game-changer for women’s…
26 January Statement: Reflecting on history, strengthening our commitment
Women’s Health in the South East (WHISE) acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as Australia’s First Peoples and the Traditional Custodians of the lands, waterways and skies where we live, work, rest and play. Australia Day is the annual, official National Day of Australia and has been observed on 26 January since 1994, marking the…
Elevate Voices for Change
Expressions of Interest Are you passionate about Gender Equality? Do you want to learn about how to improve the health and wellbeing of women and gender diverse people? Are you ready to be a part of a movement for social change? Do you live, work or play in the South East of Melbourne? Find your…