Wellsprings for Women, in collaboration with Women's Health in the South East (WHISE), has submitted a detailed and impactful report to the Victorian Government's Inquiry into Women's Pain. This submission draws on the lived experiences of 38 migrant and refugee women from Southern Melbourne, highlighting critical barriers to healthcare and offering comprehensive recommendations for improvement.
A key finding of the report shows migrant and refugee women face significant healthcare barriers, including language difficulties, long wait times, and dismissal of their health concerns by healthcare professionals.
Dalal Smiley, CEO of Wellsprings for Women said, "Acknowledging and addressing the unique and compounded needs of migrant and refugee women is essential for creating a more inclusive and effective healthcare system."
The report reveals there is a strong link between physical pain and mental health issues, exacerbated by social isolation and cultural adaptation challenges and that family dynamics and support systems play a crucial role in health-seeking behaviours, with family violence being a significant barrier.
"This submission highlights the importance of culturally appropriate and intersectional care," said Smiley.
The report notes that although the COVID-19 pandemic has intensified existing healthcare challenges it has also led to some positive health outcomes.
Recommendations from the report include the following:
- 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.
Kit McMahon, CEO of Women's Health in the South East, emphasised it is time to listen to the lived experience of women in our state.
"We call on the Victorian Government to take these recommendations seriously and implement the necessary reforms to ensure that all women, regardless of their background, have access to quality healthcare."
About Wellsprings for Women: Wellsprings for Women is a women-only organisation based in Dandenong, providing programs and services tailored to meet the needs of women who face social, cultural, economic, and political barriers to participation in society. Established in 1994, Wellsprings specialises in working with women from migrant and refugee backgrounds.
About WHISE: Women's Health in the South East (WHISE) is a not-for-profit organisation founded in 1992, providing promotion, advocacy, support, and education services for women's health in the Southern Metropolitan Region of Melbourne. WHISE works with governments, organisations, education providers, health practitioners, and community groups to improve the health and wellbeing of women.
