Women's Health in the South East

05/10/2026

Perimenopause can start years before periods stop. For many women and people with a uterus, it arrives quietly, in ways that are easy to miss or misattribute.

This October, for Menopause Awareness Month, we're sharing a series of short videos from our webinar with Dr Fatima Khan.

First up: why perimenopause disrupts sleep and calm.

Watch the clip. Share it with someone who needs it.

01/10/2026

Everyone has the right to learn, work and live free from sexual violence.

Reporting from Women's Agenda on how one university responded to allegations of gang r**e asks a question every institution should be able to answer: who do your systems protect? Organisations like universities are responsible for preventing sexual violence and harmful behaviour, for holding perpetrators accountable, and for creating environments that uphold gender equality.

WHISE stands in solidarity with all victim-survivors.

If this content is distressing, or you have experienced sexual violence or assault, support is available through 1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732 (24/7). Lifeline: 13 11 14. 13YARN (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people): 13 92 76.

The Cornell case shows what happens when universities fail to take sexual violence seriously and women are left carrying the blame.

29/09/2026

Women's pain is too often dismissed. Systems built that pattern, and people working together can change it.

Join practitioners from across Melbourne's south east for Bridging the Gender Pain Gap Workshop 2. It's a hands-on online session where each group leaves with one practical action to start within three months.

📅 Wednesday 28 October, 10-12pm, online
🔗 Register: https://events.humanitix.com/bridging-the-gender-pain-gap-from-understanding-to-action or link in bio

28/09/2026

Abortion is healthcare. That has always been true.

WHISE joins 1800 My Options in calling for a future where everyone can access abortion care without barriers, stigma or judgment, wherever they live and whoever they are.

Access is not equal yet. The systems that shape it can be changed.

📞 Need information about abortion in Victoria? Call 1800 My Options on 1800 696 784.

Abortions are always going to happen.

What’s changing is how protected, accessible and understood they become.

This International Safe Abortion Day, we celebrate the progress made in recognising abortion as essential healthcare, while continuing to advocate for a future where everyone can access care without barriers, stigma or judgment.

Because abortion care saves lives, supports choice, and belongs in our healthcare system.

📞 Need information about abortion in Victoria? Contact 1800 My Options on 1800 696 784.

26/09/2026

"I always have to bring the condoms and remind my boyfriend to put one on."

Sound familiar? Contraception works best when it's a shared conversation, not one person's job. This World Contraception Day, watch experts in our Ask Me Anything: Teens Ask series answer this exact question and talk through options that make the load lighter.

*xualHealth

24/09/2026

Women’s brain health matters.

Brain health is influenced by many factors, including our physical health, mental wellbeing, social connections and lifestyle habits.

It is also shaped by the conditions in which we live, work and age, including access to healthcare, financial security, safe communities and opportunities for social participation.

For women, midlife is an important time to focus on brain health and take steps that may help reduce dementia risk later in life. While some causes of dementia are outside our control, small, consistent actions can make a difference. Staying active, eating well, staying socially connected, continuing to learn new things, not smoking and reducing alcohol consumption can all support a healthy brain.

This Dementia Action Week is a great time to check out the resources over at Jean Hailes for Women's Health and Dementia Australia

https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-topics/brain-health/ https://www.dementia.org.au/

21/09/2026

Did you know?

Dementia affects women differently to men.

Women account for around two-thirds of people living with dementia in Australia, and more than three-quarters of primary carers of people with dementia are women. S*x related biological and hormonal factors, together with gendered social and economic conditions can influence women's risk of dementia, how symptoms present, and their overall experience of the condition.

How much do you know about women and dementia? Take our quick quiz to test your knowledge, challenge common misconceptions, and learn more about women's brain health and dementia risk.

Link: https://www.opinionstage.com/page/4c89eaa9-1298-4f39-8450-51981d103b02

17/09/2026

How do we work with power in groups?

Power is always present in groups. It shapes who speaks, who is heard, whose knowledge is valued or overlooked.

As facilitators, we also hold power, through our role, expertise and responsibility for shaping the space. Understanding our own position, while also recognising the different forms of power operating between participants, is essential to creating more inclusive and equitable conversations.

In this Podcast, Groupwork Centre explore the principles behind working with power in groups, how rank, identity, privilege and group dynamics influence participation, and how facilitators can become more intentional about the spaces they create - https://ow.ly/lYor50ZO8HL

These ideas underpin Shifting Power: Inclusive Facilitation. This two-day training is a partnership between WHISE and Groupwork Centre. It brings these principles into practice, building the skills to navigate group dynamics, foster meaningful participation, and facilitate conversations where diverse voices can be heard and valued.

Register now: https://ow.ly/m8tM50ZO8HK

Date: 20 & 21 October
Time: 9.30am-4.30pm each day
Venue: Duncan McKinnon Reserve, Corner North Rd and Murrumbeena Road, Murrumbeena

17/09/2026

is the leading cause of death for women in Australia.

Women account for around two-thirds of people currently living with dementia, but many people don't realise the significant impact it has on women's health.

Dementia is an umbrella term for several conditions that affect the brain, causing changes to memory, thinking, reasoning, communication and the ability to carry out everyday activities beyond what would be expected with normal ageing.

As we approach Dementia Action Week (21 –27 September), Victoria's Women's Health Services are joining forces to share important information about dementia, its impact on women, and the steps we can take to support brain health and reduce risk.

This Dementia Action Week, take time to learn about dementia, understand the factors that can influence risk, and explore what you can do to support your brain health at every stage of life.

Check out the resources over at Jean Hailes for Women's Health and Dementia Australia
https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-topics/brain-health/ https://www.dementia.org.au/

15/09/2026

The work across ten councils continues. WHISE appoints an Acting Chief Executive Officer and opens the search for a permanent appointment. Read full statement: https://ow.ly/rQU750ZNBj3