Overview

Wellsprings for Women, in collaboration with Women’s Health in the South East (WHISE), has submitted a comprehensive report to the Victorian Government’s Inquiry into Women’s Pain. This submission, based on a forum involving 38 migrant and refugee women from Southern Melbourne, provides critical insights into the barriers these women face in accessing healthcare and offers actionable recommendations for systemic improvement.

Key Findings

• Healthcare barriers: Language difficulties, long wait times, and the dismissal of women’s concerns by healthcare professionals significantly impede access to care.
• Mental health link: Physical pain often correlates with mental health issues, exacerbated by social isolation and cultural adaptation challenges.
• Impact of family dynamics: Family support and dynamics play a crucial role in women’s health-seeking behaviours, with family violence being a significant barrier.
• COVID-19 effects: The pandemic has intensified existing healthcare challenges but also led to some positive outcomes in health investigations.

Recommendations

• Culturally appropriate care: Implement mandatory intersectional training for healthcare providers and increase the availability of female practitioners.
• Language and cultural support: Ensure access to professional interpreters and multilingual health resources.
• Systemic reforms: Reduce wait times, expand Medicare coverage, and integrate mental health with physical health services.
• Community engagement: Support community-led health initiatives and improve communication about available health supports and services.

Community-Based Solutions

The submission emphasises the need for an intersectional feminist approach to healthcare, highlighting the role of community organisations in addressing social determinants of health. Wellsprings for Women and WHISE advocate for policies that engage community members in program design, deliver culturally tailored health education, and ensure accessible and inclusive health programs.

Actionable Steps

• Funding for community programs: Allocate resources to community organisations for health-related activities and support.
• Clear navigation support: Develop guides and support systems to help women navigate the healthcare system.
• Empowerment workshops: Conduct workshops on self-care, healthy living, and stress management.

Conclusion

Wellsprings for Women and WHISE call for the Victorian Government to implement these recommendations to create a more inclusive, accessible, and culturally appropriate healthcare environment, improving the health and well-being of migrant and refugee women in Southern Melbourne.

For more detailed information and to read the full submission