With well over a century of history and change, the first International Women’s Day (IWD) was held in March 1911. IWD isn’t country, group or organisation specific. It’s a day of collective global activism and celebration that belongs to all those committed to forging women’s equality.
World-renowned feminist, journalist and activist, Gloria Steinem, reportedly once explained, “The story of women’s struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist nor to any one organisation but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights.”
The campaign theme for International Women’s Day 2024 is Inspire Inclusion.
When we inspire others to understand and value women’s inclusion, we forge a better world. And when women themselves are inspired to be included, there’s a sense of belonging, relevance, and empowerment.
In recent weeks, Queensland women and girls have been empowered to have their voices heard in issues surrounding accessible healthcare and endometriosis.
Premier Steven Miles said, “The Women and Girls Health Strategy had the biggest engagement of any Queensland Government survey ever.”
“We heard loud and clear that women and girls wanted better access to tailored healthcare services in their communities.”
There are a number of barriers women and girls face to accessing healthcare such as financial and transport barriers.
That’s why the State Government will establish four new nurse-led clinics that will offer women and girls more choice about their healthcare and easier access to care where they can feel safe, heard and supported.
There will be women focused healthcare such as access to contraception, maternal health, treatment for sexually transmissible infections, advice on period and menopause matters as well as support and referrals for women experiencing domestic, family or sexual violence.
Queensland has one of the highest rates of endometriosis, with around one in six (17 per cent) women diagnosed with endometriosis by the time they are in their early 40s, compared to just over one in 10 (11 per cent) women Australia-wide.
As part of the strategy, the State Government will invest $18.2 million to improve how these women are supported and how they can access treatment in a timely manner.
QENDO chief executive officer Jessica Taylor said, “My endometriosis journey began like so many others, debilitating pain that I couldn’t explain, trips to emergency that yielded no answers, GPs who didn’t listen, 11 of them, in fact.”
“My hope is this investment will help women walk the path that is the diagnosis, treatment and management of endometriosis and pelvic pain.”
Endometriosis is a condition where endometrial-like tissue is present outside the uterus and is associated with pelvic pain, infertility, and poor mental health.
This new funding is essential to identify, diagnose and provide better quality care for women suffering with symptoms of endometriosis faster.
Minister for Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Services and Minister for Women, Shannon Fentiman said, “Women and girls have recounted numerous stories of being dismissed and misdiagnosed in our health system, leading to living in persistent pain for years.”
“We want women and girls who develop pelvic pain or painful periods to feel comfortable discussing this with their doctor, and to know that they are being listened to and understood.
“Thank you to the thousands of Queensland women and girls who came forward and shared their experiences with the health care system.
“We hear you, and we are taking action.”
For more information on how to get involved with International Women’s Day visit internationalwomensday.com
