As the Victorian Minister for Health announced yesterday that 12,000 women and girls in Victoria have already shared their voices in the Government’s Inquiry into Women’s Pain, Women’s Health in the South East (WHISE) and other Victorian Women’s Health Services are still listening and responding to women sharing their experiences.  

Kit McMahon, CEO WHISE said, “This inquiry has been so important for so many reasons, women are feeling heard, sharing their stories, and having their say.” 

With under a week to go until the survey closes, WHISE staff and colleagues across the network are still listening to stories that are both heart-wrenching and inspiring, that shed light on the challenges women face and resilience they exhibit. 

“We are learning that many women suffer in silence, being told to ‘Shush’ or ‘just take a Panadol’, emphasising the need for a broader awareness of women’s pain experience. 

“Language barriers and dismissive attitudes from healthcare providers are common, highlighting the call for more gender responsive care. 

“Family violence significantly impacts women’s health, leading to poor mental health, depression, and additional barriers to accessing care. Women facing such violence need robust support systems to navigate these challenges effectively.” 

Staff across the region and state continue to listen to stories as the submission closing draws near and note that, “despite the challenges, women are displaying awe inspiring resilience through self-care and community support”.  

“Those that achieve outcomes have discovered and learnt how to advocate and navigate our health system – for themselves and others,” said McMahon. 

McMahon emphasised that, “gender-responsive care and dismantling systemic barriers are crucial for progress.”  

WHISE looks forward to working with women, government, and community to respond to this moment and to centre lived experience of women and to the government sharing the findings and the themes emerging so we can continue to learn and change together.