Since 2010, the “Liptember” flagship fundraising campaign has encouraged people to wear lipstick throughout the month of September as a lighthearted and fun way to raise awareness and vital funds for women’s mental health. We exist to champion a world where gender is recognised as a key factor in mental health; where every woman, at every stage of life, is seen, heard and supported. Our mission is to address the often overlooked mental health challenges uniquely experienced by women and girls. From menstruation to menopause, motherhood to caregiving, and everything in between, we advocate for gender-informed research, policy and mental health care that recognises how biology, life stages and social experiences shape mental health outcomes. We do this year-round through:
• Gender-specific research that addresses gender gaps in evidence for mental health conditions
• Advocacy initiatives to influence national mental health agendas, policy and reform
• Educational mental health programs and resources that support women and the professionals who care for them
• Awareness and collaboration with government, industry and community to drive meaningful, lasting change
Since 2010, our work has been powered by the success of the Liptember campaign – our flagship lipstick-wearing fundraiser held every September. What began as a conversation-starter has grown into a national movement, raising millions for women’s mental health initiatives and bringing greater awareness to the role gender plays in mental wellbeing and reducing stigma around help-seeking. Formerly known as the Liptember Foundation, we evolved into Women’s Mental Health Australia (WMHA) in 2025 to better reflect our mission with clarity.
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WMHA does not provide crisis intervention. Please use our support hub to find the right mental health support tailored to your needs: https://www.womensmentalhealthaustralia.org.au/mental-health-support-hub
