The Victorian Women's Health Services Network (WHSN) is proud to announce the release of its second collective impact report, "Small Change, Big Impact: Two Years On". The report outlines key achievements over the past two years, highlighting the network's significant contributions to advancing women's health and gender equality across Victoria.
"Our report clearly demonstrates the power of targeted investment in women's health," said Adele Murdolo, Chair of the Women's Health Network and CEO of the Multicultural Centre for Women's Health.
"Through strategic partnerships and evidence-based initiatives, we've expanded our reach to every corner of Victoria, addressing critical health inequalities and driving systemic change."
Since receiving an additional $19.4 million in funding from the Victorian Government in May 2022, the network has made substantial strides in five key priority areas:
- Gender equality
- Gendered violence prevention
- Sexual and reproductive health
- Mental health and wellbeing
- Women in a changing society
Kate Graham, Deputy Chair of the Women's Health Network and CEO of Gippsland Women's Health, stated, "This report underscores the necessity of long-term, stable funding.
"Our unique network's decades of expertise and collaboration are vital in driving lasting social change and maintaining Victoria's leadership in primary prevention."
Key achievements and impact:
- Expanding reach and partnerships: The network has extended its programs across all regions of Victoria, engaging a wide array of stakeholders to drive collective action towards improved health outcomes.
- Responding to pandemic health inequalities: WHSN has led efforts to address the gendered impacts of the pandemic, providing culturally appropriate mental health education and recovery support. This work has equipped government and partners with essential data and insights for future crisis responses, ensuring an inclusive approach.
- Enhancing public health infrastructure: The network has strengthened collaboration with Local Public Health Units, fostering a more equitable health environment across the state.
- Advancing intersectional health promotion: Through evidence-based advocacy and best practices, the network has tackled the drivers of health disparities, ensuring that health promotion practices are inclusive and effective.
- Capacity building across sectors: Extensive training and capacity-building initiatives have empowered a diverse range of organisations and communities, equipping them with the knowledge and tools needed to meet the state's women's health and equality targets.
Reflecting on the additional $18.3 million in funding for 2024–2026, Murdolo said "While it falls short of previous levels, the continued support is vital to maintaining momentum in delivering key government strategies like the Gender Equality Act 2020 and the Victorian Women's Sexual and Reproductive Health Plan 2022–2030."
"Looking towards the future, our sector needs funding confidence and certainty to maintain the people, infrastructure, and relationships that are critical to achieving long-term social change," added Graham.
"By committing to sustained investment in Victoria's unique women's health network, we can build on decades of expertise, evidence-building, and collaboration to ensure Victoria continues to lead the way in primary prevention both in Australia and internationally."
To access the full report, "Small Change, Big Impact: Two Years On," please visit https://www.whsn.org.au/evaluation-report-2024
About the Victorian Women's Health Services Network
The VWHSN comprises 12 state-funded organizations dedicated to improving women's health and promoting gender equality across Victoria. Through advocacy, education, and community engagement, the network addresses critical health issues affecting women and drives policy change for a more equitable future.
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About Women's Health Services Network
The Women's Health Services Network has been a driving force progressing and shaping Victoria's women's health and equality space for four decades. While our services were established and funded independently of one another, collaboration has been a strong part of our history. Today, the 12 women's health services funded through the state government's Victorian Women's Health Program collaborate under the title the 'Victorian Women's Health Services Network'. This enables us to work as a coordinated, mutually-reinforcing statewide network comprising both place-based and specialist services.
