batyr Chair, Ellen Derrick described the incoming CEO as a “powerful voice” who is “deeply passionate about amplifying young voices and their lived experience, alongside equipping young people and their communities with the tools to live their lives and flourish.”

“Acheson’s leadership is centred around driving transformative change, with lived experience at the core of this,” Derrick said in a statement. 

As a prominent figure in the Australian youth sector, Acheson has served as the CEO of Youth Action, Chair of the Australian Youth Affairs Coalition and Executive Manager of Policy and Advocacy at Arafmi. She was the lead youth lived experience consultant for the United Nations World Youth Report in 2022, and earned the title of Financial Review’s Woman of Influence in 2019. Last year, she was a Bob and June Prickett Churchill Trust Fellow, researching the ways involving young people in decision-making can help address rising mental ill-health. 

She is also the Co-founder of Numbers and People Synergy, a data analytics company working to improve social development policies. 

Acheson said she is “beyond excited to join the batyr team.” 

“I have been championing batyr from the sidelines for many years and it’s an absolute honour to now be stepping into the role as CEO to lead this incredible organisation,” she said in a statement.

“Their expertise in prevention and championing lived experience is being recognised and acknowledged in Australia and abroad for its proven impact.”

“I’m already proud of batyr’s work on the ground to date, and can’t wait to amplify this further. I’ll continue to ensure the team are supported, motivated and inspired to keep driving positive change for young people now and for generations to come.”

Derrick added that Acheson’s “depth of knowledge and experience across youth and mental health” is “inspiring.”

“We are excited to officially welcome Katie into the batyr family and see her leadership build on our strong foundations and guide batyr into the future.”

Acheson begins her role on February 19. Last week, the organisation launched its fifth Splash the Stigma swim fundraiser that will continue through the month of February. Splash the Stigma is batyr’s annual drive to “turn the tide on mental health”, where people are invited to take up swimming challenge to raise money for the charity’s education programs to help young people better understand their mental health.

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The survey, funded by the Department of Social Services, the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) and managed by the Melbourne Institute, found that in the four weeks leading up to this year’s survey, almost one in five women reported working when they were physically unwell, while 16.8 per cent of employed men said they worked while feeling physically unwell. 

Roughly the same number of women reported working when they were mentally unwell, while just 11.1 per cent of men did the same. 

Those with a moderate or severe disability or in poor mental health were also much more likely to work when unwell. 

The 18th Annual Statistical Report of the HILDA Survey is a nationally representative longitudinal study of Australian households, following the lives of more than 17,000 Australians each year since 2001. 

Collecting information on many aspects of life in Australia, including household and family relationships, income and employment, and health and education, this year’s survey revealed some startling trends for women. Here, we look at a few of them. 

Working conditions

Men were less likely than women to be primarily working from home, the latest study found. In 2019, a mere 3.5 per cent per cent of people worked entirely from home, and 6.5 per cent worked at least 50 per cent of the time from home. In 2021, the figures shot up to 17.7 per cent and 24.3 respectively. 

The industries with the highest number of people mainly working from home are financial and insurance services, information media and telecommunications. Meanwhile, those working in retail, hospitality, education and arts were less likely to be working from home. 

The study also found a link between the number of employed parents and their use of formal child care. Unemployed mothers were less likely to seek formal child care. Unemployed fathers also lead to a decrease in using child care services, however the percentage reduced was much lower. 

The study concluded that the reason for these associations could either be that full-time employment could lead to the use of formal child care, or that having access to formal child care can be a precondition to seeking full time paid employment. 

The number of women in paid employment has also risen, especially in the group aged 65 to 69, where currently, one in four are employed.

Roughly 40 per cent of women aged between 18-64 are now employed full-time, while the proportion of men in that age group continue to be largely employed full time (70 per cent).

The gender pay gap is also slowly shrinking. In 2016, women earned just 78 per cent of what men earned. The latest study showed that now, women earn approximately 86 per cent of what men earn — still an extremely problematic figure. 

The average earnings made by a woman has also risen, though not to the heights of men. In 2021, the average female earning rose to 75 per cent of male average earnings, an increase from 2001 of 66 per cent. 

Marriage

Fewer Australians are now deciding to walk down the aisle compared to a few decades ago. The percentage of women who were married in 2001 was 54.5 per cent. In 2021, that number dropped down to 48.2 per cent. 

More women are now opting to be in de facto relationships. Between 2001 to 2021, the percentage went from 8.9 per cent to 14.3 per cent. Similar figures were found with men. 

The largest cohort of Australians who have decided to waive marriage are those aged between 25 to 34. Generally, less people are partnering up in conventional, romantic relationships. 

Between 2002 to 2004, 31.1 per cent of men and 26.8 per cent of women self-identified as being in a romantic relationship. Between the 2014 to 2016 period, that figure dropped to 26.7 per cent of men and 23.7 per cent of women. 

When it comes to self-assessed relationship satisfaction, women aged 40 to 59 reported lower relationship satisfaction than their male counterparts. 

Last year’s HILDA study already charted a growing number of Australians drifting away from living with their intimate partner. Dr Esperanza Vera-Toscano, an economist and senior research fellow at the Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research, attributed the “qualitative shift in our understanding of family” to a progressive framework of thinking.

“We need get used to the fact that the traditional pathway of meeting someone, having a relationship that ends up in marriage and children, has changed,” she said. “There are other situations that need to be brought into the picture. It’s important we understand them.”

Loneliness and psychological distress

Those aged between 15-24 now encompass the highest portion of lonely individuals. In the period between 2001 and 2009, the greatest proportion of lonely people were those aged 65 and older. 

The study’s co-author Dr Ferdi Botha, said “There is a clear trend of younger people becoming lonelier and feeling more isolated as time goes on.” 

“If there aren’t actions taken or policies implemented to intervene, we may see loneliness and psychological distress increasing in the younger generations and this may lead to lower mental and physical wellbeing and other wider societal issues,” he said in a statement. 

“Loneliness increased in the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, but for young people, there is a longer-term trend increase apparent. It may be that this is partly connected to growth in smart phones and social media use.” 

People in the youngest age cohort (15-24) also reported the highest average distress scores, with 42.3 per cent of them reporting they were psychologically distressed in 2021. Women aged 15 to 24 reported higher levels of distress than older women in the 35 to 54 and 65 and over age category, showing that the average psychological distress levels declined with age. 

Overall, women also reported higher levels of psychological distress. Between 2007 to 2021, the prevalence of psychological distress among women increased by roughly 63 per cent. In 2021, almost one in three women said they were in distress, compared to 22.7 per cent of men. The study measured participants’ psychological distress by asking them questions such as, “In the last four weeks, about how often did you feel tired out for no good reasons? Nervous? Hopeless? Depressed?”

Use of prescription drugs in Australia

More women are using strong painkillers than men, the latest study found. Almost thirty per cent of women reported using strong painkillers or pain-relievers with opioids in them, and 14 per cent reported using tranquillisers and/or sleeping pills. 

The strong painkillers may include Tramadol, Fentanyl, Oxycodone, morphine, codeine products such as Panadeine Forte. 

According to the study’s authors, most respondents were using the strong painkillers only infrequently, “…suggesting they are primarily used for temporary relief from pain, anxiety or sleep issues.” 

“However, it is crucial to acknowledge that these drugs have potential negative consequences, such as addiction, overdose and harmful interactions.” 

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“It just felt like being vulnerable was going to be able to help people, and I did not expect that once I would share my story (publicly), just how many people would resonate,” she said.

When it went public, the blog quickly amassed a dedicated following, which Sepel expertly grew even further, securing a book deal, creating JSHealth programs, a smartphone app, along with her most popular venture: JSHealth Vitamins. 

Sepel says her is a passion for nutrition and helping others has always guided her business decisions.

“Being authentic and vulnerable is always a good thing,” she says. “People just love and appreciate it. Don’t overthink it because you can’t really plan for the journey of businesses, as it just sort of happens how it’s meant to.” 

Sepel is the latest to feature in our How I Manage My Health series, examining how dynamic women from different career backgrounds manage their physical and mental health.

Read Jessica Sepel’s full “How I Manage My Health” profile below, and see other women profiled in this series here.

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What’s one key thing you’re working on right now that you’re really excited about?

As a customer-first company, the goal for us is to make JSHealth Vitamins the most trusted wellness brand in the world and to help as many people as we possibly can to thrive. That was the goal from day one, and how it remains, so I’m incredibly excited about our recent expansion into the Asia-Pacific region, with our first step being in Singapore through Watsons. This expansion marks a new chapter for us as we continue our mission to support our community on their wellness journeys, around the globe. 

Singapore is a place known for its dynamic lifestyle and health-conscious citizens, making it an ideal starting point. Partnering with Watsons, a leading health and beauty retailer there, allows us to reach more people and provide them with the tools they need to nourish their bodies and minds, both inside and out.

The excitement behind this expansion isn’t about business growth for me, but about bringing our message of balanced, sustainable wellness to more and more people.. It’s about sharing the power of wholesome nutrition and self-care routines, and helping individuals around the world to feel their best – that’s the JSHealth way.

I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to connect with and learn from diverse cultures. As we progress, I look forward to seeing how our JSHealth community in the Asia-Pacific region evolves and grows.

What does your morning routine typically look like? 

I always start the day on a positive note – it has such a powerful ripple effect on my whole day ahead.  Each morning I’ll wake up around 7.30am to have 7-8 hours sleep daily. I continue my technology ban from the evening (I switch off around 8pm each night) – no checking of social media, texts or emails –  until after I’ve been awake for at least 30-40 minutes and practised my wholesome morning routine.

I love to begin with a 30-minute workout from the JSHealth App, followed by a piccolo coffee, and a 10 minute meditation practice, and then I get ready for work. I usually eat breakfast once I get to the office. At the moment, I love fuelling my body with the JSHealth Power Protein Smoothie or my current obsession, a quick and easy-to-make bowl of oats – my Banana Bread Overnight Oats!

Do you have any top tips for staying focused on key tasks? 

Running a business can get overwhelming, so I’m a big  believer in the power of prioritising. Each day, I identify the top three tasks that align with my goals and commit to completing them. This keeps me focused and prevents me from becoming stressed out by a long to-do list.

I also practise mindfulness. Being present in each task, rather than thinking about the next thing on my list, increases my productivity and the quality of my work. It also reduces stress and enhances creativity, which is really important for me when I am working on developing new formulas – my primary focus at JSHealth. For this process I need the mental space to connect with what my community needs for their health, delve into the research of ingredients and work intuitively with all of this and my wellness knowledge in order to create products that stand out and deliver.

Also, taking regular breaks is essential. This may seem counterintuitive when you’re busy, but research shows that short breaks can significantly improve focus and productivity. I usually step away from my desk, do some stretches or practise a quick 10-minute meditation from the JSHealth App. 

Do you have a framework or key rules or procedures for organising your day? 

I never use the word ‘rules’ as to me it sounds too rigid, and I’ve learned that we need to maintain the ability to be flexible in all areas of our wellness, including a healthy work routine. However, daily structure is key for me to stay organised and productive, especially when the days get very busy! I start off the day on a strong note with my morning routine – that’s a non-negotiable. 

Due to my varied schedule, days do often look a little different, but I like to check in with my plan and prioritise or plan anything needed. During the day, I always make sure to schedule breaks and personal time. It’s essential for maintaining balance and avoiding burnout! 

Having a routine is important and flexibility is key. Some days will be unpredictable, and that’s okay. The goal is to have a framework that helps you manage your day effectively – but always be kind to yourself if things don’t go exactly as planned. 

Once the day wraps, I look forward to cooking a JSHealth dinner and spending time with my hubby Dean (our night walks are my favourite time of day) so that I can recharge and do it all again tomorrow! This is a really important part of my daily framework, outside of “work hours”.

Can you share a time when your work really tested or even harmed your health and wellbeing? 

Building a business can be incredibly tough and demanding. When you accept this fact, it actually gets easier to prioritise your own wellbeing as part of the process, rather than an afterthought.

It will be even more challenging when you build a brand based on care for your customers, as your natural inclination is to put their needs first. However, it’s essential to remember that you can serve others more effectively when you are at your best, both physically and mentally.

On the journey, there have definitely been times when certain aspects of my work have encouraged me to step outside of my comfort zone. Team management is the ultimate test, especially with an ever-growing global team ! I am so committed to a healthy work culture, so constantly being aware of this and managing personalities has previously been a challenge for my husband and I in the past. As with all things in life, challenges are opportunities for growth. We’ve learned so much from these experiences and have taken proactive steps to create a really vibrant company culture – we are more like a family! Today, I’m proud to say that our work environment is the most positive and supportive it’s ever been.

How do you stay active?

20 minutes a day of movement is my foundation! I believe in listening to your body – it knows what it needs. You don’t have to push yourself through exhausting workouts. 

Find a form of movement that you genuinely enjoy and commit to it. I used to force myself through workouts, motivated by wanting to look a certain way. These days I only workout in ways that I love…to FEEL good – with a kind, compassionate and gentle approach. This is what we call ‘body kindness’- it’s the JSHealth way.

The JSHealth App offers quick and easy workouts that can fit into anyone’s schedule, no matter how busy. You can do them from the comfort of your home, or even your office – which is where you’ll often find me squeezing in a workout! 

Can you share a key thing you regularly do (or aspire to do more) that really supports your wellbeing?

Gratitude: it may sound cliche, but giving thanks has become an important part of my daily routine, especially after experiencing a mental health crisis over the past two years.

During that challenging time, my perspective on life changed drastically. I found myself longing for peace of mind and appreciating the simple things in life that I previously took for granted. Today, I make it a point to express gratitude for my health, my husband and my loved ones.

Practising gratitude doesn’t have to be elaborate. It can be as simple as taking a moment each day to acknowledge what you’re thankful for. For me, this short daily practice has had a profound impact. It serves as a reminder of the good in my life, helps to keep things in perspective, and nurtures a positive mindset.

How do you manage your health when working remotely or from home?

Working remotely or from home has its unique challenges, but it also provides opportunities to care for your wellbeing.

For me, it allows for more quality time with my loved ones, which is incredibly nurturing for the soul. I also make use of the flexibility to engage in workouts that I genuinely enjoy, whether that’s a yoga class, a swim in the ocean or simply taking a mindful walk.

Cooking at home is another advantage. I love preparing delicious, nutritious meals from the JSHealth App. The process of cooking and eating wholesome food can be deeply satisfying and beneficial for overall health.

Working from home also provides a break from social pressures and comparisons, which can often lead to stress. Embracing the slower pace of life and learning to say ‘no’ when necessary are vital parts of self-care and living the Healthy Life. 

Finally, effective stress management is key. For me, this involves daily practices like deep belly breathing or resting with my legs up against a wall. These simple techniques help me unwind, reset and maintain a calm and steady mind amidst the busy schedule!

Considering you’re so present in the health and wellness space, has there been a  particular piece of health advice you always find yourself coming back to?

The most important lesson I’ve learned and find myself coming back to, especially on a personal level, is the importance of prioritising my mental health so I can show up for my business and my community as my absolute best. Something that’s been integral to this is creating self-care rituals, such as switching off from social media every night by 8 pm, moving my body each day in ways that I love, and nourishing myself with wholesome foods. 

The other one is advice from my grandma that I’ve really learned to be true – “Keep boxing” as she says. I have this phrase all through my head during the harder days of building a business. You just have to keep boxing, and you will go far.

What do you want more women to know about their health?

In my journey as a nutritionist and through building the JSHealth community, I’ve had the privilege of hearing countless women share their health concerns. From digestion issues, skin problems, hair health, bloating, anxiety, mood imbalances to sleep disturbances – these are common issues that many women face.

Women must know they are not alone with any of their health concerns. I want women to know they have our support through JSHealth and JSHealth Vitamins.

JSHealth Vitamins came about purely as a way to help support my clients and community’s health and wellbeing. Our goal is that our solution-focused vitamins will give women the confidence and comfort they deserve for a broad range of health concerns. Some of our top women’s targeted supplements at JSHealth Vitamins include Hormone + PMS Support, Vaginal Probiotic+, Menopause+, Detox + Debloat, PM+ Sleep Formula, Skin + Digestion and Hair + Energy.

What I want more women to understand is the importance of letting go of fad dieting and embracing a balanced approach to eating. Being “healthy” doesn’t come from deprivation or restriction, but from balance and kindness towards ourselves. Practising body love daily and building a nourishing, positive relationship with food works for the long haul. The JSHealth way is a wellness philosophy so sustainable, enjoyable and result-driven that it will last a lifetime!

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Sonia Martin MACN, a Registered Nurse with 30 years of experience and the founder of One Bridge, has been appointed to Chair the faculty.

The Street Health Faculty will help some of the most vulnerable populations in the community.

“The Faculty will be a dynamic nurse-led network committed to serving the specific health needs of people who are marginalised and disadvantaged, many of whom have no choice but to try to survive living on the streets,” said ACN CEO, Adjunct Professor Kylie Ward FACN.

“They cannot get to the health services they need, so the health services must go to them – and nurses are actively working in this space.

“We are fortunate to have Sonia Martin on board to lead this Faculty. She knows the sector. She knows the streets. She knows the solutions.”

Martin is the recipient of the 2021 Health Minister’s Nursing Trailblazer Award, as well as  The Dr Dorothea Sandars and Irene Lee Churchill Fellowship in 2022. In 2023, she conducted research that informed her ongoing advocacy for policy change in Australia and championing equitable healthcare access. 

In 2022, Martin was also awarded the National Outstanding Leadership Award in Entrepreneurship.

Martin said the establishment of the new street health faculty at the Australian College of Nursing aligns with the global inclusion health agenda and it will contribute to improving health and social inequities.

“We want to fully understand the landscape of nursing in this sector in Australia, identify current needs, and uncover barriers these groups face,” Martin said.

“This will inform our priorities and guide our next steps in education, advocacy, and policy development.”

Adjunct Professor Ward said the faculty would help attract nurses who want to contribute in socially positive ways. 

“It is a strategic move to foster inclusivity, equity, innovation, and leadership in nursing and health care,” she said. 

“ACN will be actively promoting the new Faculty across the profession to attract nurses who want to contribute to this exciting and worthwhile initiative.”

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The change is one of the promises made by President Emmanuel Macron last year and is the first step in a legislative process that will still require a vote in the Senate in order to be passed. 

On Tuesday night, the French National Assembly voted overwhelmingly in favour of amending Article 34 of France’s constitution to include that “the law determines the conditions by which is exercised the freedom of women to have recourse to an abortion, which is guaranteed.”

“Tonight, the National Assembly and the government did not miss their rendez-vous with women’s history,” Justice Minister Eric Dupond-Moretti said.

Macron’s government is aiming to get the constitutional amendment passed by both chambers of parliament before getting it approved by all legislators in three-fifths majority of a joint session of parliament. 

In October, the French president said that his government would aim to make abortion rights constitutional by the end of the year. “In 2024, the right of women to choose abortion will become irreversible,” he wrote on his socials. 

A 2022 opinion poll from France showed that 89 per cent of respondents wanted abortion rights to be legislated under the constitution.

Earlier this month, an anti-abortion “March for Life” rally took place in Paris, with numbers soaring to 15,000, according to the organisers. 

Abortion in France was decriminalised over half a century ago, however there remains nothing in the constitution that guarantees abortion rights. If the latest constitutional amendments is passed, France will have a vastly superior approach to women’s reproductive rights compared to its surrounding countries: in Poland, pregnancies can only be legally aborted in cases of rape, incest or a threat to the mother’s health or life. Even in cases of severe fetal deformities, the Polish constitutional court ruled that women are not allowed to access abortion. 

In 2022, Hungry’s far-right government tightened abortion access, requiring women to “listen to the foetal heartbeat” before they can access the procedure. 

In Italy, a group of anti-abortion organisations have sought to enshrine a similar rule, collecting over 106,000 signatures in December in an attempt to force women to listen to the ‘foetal heartbeat’ before undergoing the procedure.

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According to a report from the University of Newcastle, women in the Northern Rivers were subjected to high levels of violence and sexual assaults, resulting in unplanned pregnancies.

The researchers – Associate Professor Wendy Foote, Professor Margaret Alston, Dr David Betts and Dr Tracy McEwan – said the emergency centres established in response to the floods did not adequately consider the safety of women and children.

They suggested separation of men and women and children in emergency centres, as well as more triaging, would have avoided the increased rates of gender-based violence and sexual assaults.

MSI Australia, a leading reproductive healthcare clinic in Australia, provides contraception and abortion care to people and communities who have been affected by climate-related disasters.

Head of Policy and Research at MSI Australia Bonney Corbin told Women’s Agenda unplanned and unwanted pregnancies can often go unnoticed during times of crisis, including during climate-related disasters.

“There’s an assumption that we don’t have sex when we’re displaced, but the evidence shows that both rape and sexual activity increases in times of emergency,” Corbin said.

“When we are displaced, we lose routine, and we’re more likely to forget where we are at in our menstrual cycle. Pregnancy can go unnoticed.

“Dissociation following sexual violence and rape can mean that victim-survivors delay making choices about their pregnancy.”

Following the February 2022 floods in northern NSW, MSI Australia clinics were providing care to some women who did not realise they were pregnant until they were beyond nine weeks in pregnancy gestation. This meant they could no longer access medical abortion care and were only able to access surgical abortion.

The financial impacts of a climate-related disasters can also impede a person’s ability to access abortion care, as well as a range of other compounding factors that arise during times of crises.

“Some people realise they are pregnant and want to have an abortion, but are in financial distress with other priorities of food and accommodation, so can’t afford to pay out of pocket abortion costs,” Corbin said.

“Following the floods we provided care to women who had delayed accessing an abortion by a number of weeks.”

It is never a victim’s job to prepare for or prevent rape from happening, Corbin said, but the solution to unplanned and unwanted pregnancies is access to the “full spectrum” of healthcare: products, information and services.

“People need access to long-acting reversible contraception all year round, so that they already have access to contraception when disaster hits,” Corbin said.

“Access to health services is important but it isn’t enough. We need access to the spectrum of health products, and information that people need for reproductive autonomy.

“In the aftermath of a disaster, people need immediate access to health products including condoms, menstrual management, dental dams, pregnancy tests.”

A study from the United Nations Population Fund in 2022 found nearly half of all pregnancies around the world are unplanned or unwanted. This equates to around 121 million pregnancies every year, due to gender inequality, lack of sex education, poverty, limited healthcare services and more.

Rates of unplanned pregnancies spike in times of crisis – not just environmental crises, but also times of war, conflict, food insecurity and more. It is expected that in Afghanistan alone, by 2025, there will be an estimated 4.8 million unintended pregnancies.

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A recent survey of Victorian women showed that close to half of women are affected by issues relating to their periods, pregnancy, birth and postnatal care, as well as conditions like endometriosis. 

Four in 10 women said they lived with chronic pain, while one in three women said their health conditions affect their ability to work and keep a job. 

The inquiry will hear from women across Victoria and will be led by a panel of experts and overseen by the state’s Women’s Health Advisory Council. Submissions are set to open on 30 January.

“This won’t be a mic drop moment for the majority of Victoria’s population, because every woman has either experienced it for herself or knows someone who has,” said Premier Jacinta Allan, who has been open about her own battle with endometriosis.

“But now we have the evidence to prove it. It’s time we stopped treating women’s health like some kind of niche issue. We deserve to have our pain believed and relieved.”

The survey also highlighted that about 30 per cent of women said they were affected by symptoms of perimenopause or menopause.

And while nearly 60 per cent of participants reported having experienced positive interactions in healthcare settings, one in three said they had dealt with insensitive and disrespectful practitioners who left them feeling dismissed or unheard. This kind of experience was more common for women suffering from pain, autoimmune conditions, infertility, and menopause, as well as for those who required pre and post-surgical care.

Women’s mental health is also suffering under the stress of dealing with pain or a chronic health conditions, with 20 per cent saying they were forced to forgo social interaction because of their health.

One woman who participated in the survey described how she was prescribed antidepressants when she had acute pelvic pain that was interfering with her ability to sleep and work. Later, she was diagnosed with advanced endometriosis. 

Women in regional and rural communities told the survey that they commonly travel long distances to access the healthcare they need. Women also described difficulty accessing bulk-billed GP services and experiencing long wait lists for public health services.

“The survey results have highlighted that sadly, a systemic gender pain gap still exists,” said Victoria’s Minister for Health, Mary-Anne Thomas.

“It’s why we are transforming our health system – delivering new women’s health clinics, recruiting more women’s health specialists and establishing more dedicated sexual and reproductive health hubs across the state.”

The Victorian government is currently in the process of establishing 20 Women’s Health Clinics across the state, which will offer free and wide-ranging care, allowing women to see specialists including gynaecologists, urologists, specialist nursing and allied health professionals, in one clinic. Meanwhile, 9 new reproductive healthcare clinics are being established by the government that will offer free or low cost services.

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The gap equates to 75 million years of life lost due to poor health or early death per year.

Closing it could boost global GDP by at least $1 trillion a year by 2040 and lead to a 1.7 per cent increase in per capita GDP, a new report from the World Economic Forum (WEF) and the McKinsey Health Institute (MHI) has revealed.

Improving women’s health can ensure that women have greater workforce participation, fewer lost hours, and higher productivity, the report found. Closing the gap will also boost future generations’ health and improve healthy aging.

Beyond establishing that better health correlates with economic prosperity, closing the gender health gap will also ensure more women live healthier, higher-quality lives. After all, while improving women’s health leads to positive economic outcomes, the main focus of this issue is health equity and inclusivity. 

The report analysed the health conditions that disproportionately affect women, examining 183 of the most widely used interventions across 64 health conditions. These health conditions, including asthma and cardiovascular disease, amount to roughly 90 percent of the health burden for women. 

Analysts then looked at more than 650 academic papers to examine the extent of the phenomenon where women and men experience differences in the effectiveness of a medicine designed for both sexes. 

Only half of interventions studies reported sex-disaggregated data, and of these studies, 64 percent of the interventions put women at a disadvantage due to lower efficacy, more limited access, or both. 

Meanwhile, just 10 per cent of interventions put men at a disadvantage due to lower efficacy, more limited access, or both. The report revealed that on average, women spend 25 per cent more of their life in poor health than men. 

Shyam Bishen, Head of the Centre for Health and Healthcare at the World Economic Forum, said that the report “demonstrates that addressing the women’s health gap and investing in women’s health must be a priority for every country.” 

“Beyond improving women’s quality of life, ensuring women have access to innovations in healthcare is one of the best investments that countries can make for their societies and their economies,” Bishen said. 

The report concluded that closing the health gap could generate the equivalent impact of 137 million women accessing full-time positions by 2040. 

Addressing the causes for the gap, which include lower effectiveness of treatments for women, worse care delivery, and lack of data, can ensure that more women are lifted out of poverty, allowing them to provide for themselves and their families.

Investing in women’s health can also minimise the time women spend in poor health by almost two-thirds, improving the health outcomes of more than 3.9 billion people worldwide. 

Anita Zaidi, President, Gender Equality Division at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, believes that industry leaders must step up to create new financing models and innovative business policies that will generate greater access to gender-specific care. 

“The disparities that women face in accessing and receiving quality healthcare are not only inequitable – they are unjust,” Zaidi said.

“Investing in women’s health doesn’t just yield better outcomes for women, but it is also a direct investment in families, communities, societies and economies.” 

“Closing the gender health gap must be an urgent priority for every country: our collective future depends on it.”

This week, in their efforts to improve the lives of billions of people around the world, the World Economic Forum launched the Global Alliance for Women’s Health. The multi-sector global platform will focus on finding evidence that investing in women’s health will boost the global economy while working to promote the health of women and closing the health gap. 

Several groups have joined the alliance, pledging their commitment to spearhead the alliance’s priorities of financing, science and innovation and agenda-setting. 

Western Australian economic development group Tower Capital Group have pledged to commit over $25 million this year to build equitable support for the highest unmet need categories in generational and women’s health. 

Last year, Rotary International launched the Rotary Healthy Communities Challenge, committed $30 million towards disease prevention, treatment, maternal and child health in countries including Democratic Republic of Congo, Mozambique, Nigeria and Zambia.

The Global Alliance for Women’s Health alliance will be led by a group of world leaders representing the diversity of stakeholders involved in advancing women’s health. 

Anita Zaidi will serve as board chair of the Global Alliance for Women’s Health. Other distinguished leaders joining her on the board include Catherine Russel, Executive Director, UNICEF; Elisabeth Staudinger, Member of the Board, Siemens Healthineers and Nadia Fettah Alaoui, Minister of Economy and Finance of Morocco. 

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Starting this week, the Tertiary Health Study Subsidy Program will offer students enrolling in nursing, medicine, midwifery, Aboriginal health and several other tertiary education courses the opportunity to apply for the subsidy.

With the government investing $121.9 million over the next five years into the program, new students selected in the program will receive $4,000 per year over three years. Existing students can receive a one-off $8,000 payment after accepting a position within NSW Health.

By accepting the subsidies, the successful students in the program must make a five-year commitment to work in the state’s public health system.

The program is expected to create a pipeline of 850 nursing students, 400 medical students and 150 midwifery students each year. Students in paramedicine, Aboriginal health, dentistry, oral health therapy, psychology, pharmacy, physiotherapy and medical physics are also eligible for the subsidy.

If we want to rebuild our healthcare system, we need to invest in our healthcare workers.

Which is why students enrolled in healthcare degrees can apply up to $12,000 in subsidies to support them in their studies.

And that starts today. pic.twitter.com/meEptSbMsj

— Chris Minns (@ChrisMinnsMP) January 15, 2024

Premier of NSW Chris Minns said the subsidy program will secure a better healthcare system in the future for the state.

“In recent years, we’ve seen hard working NSW healthcare workers leave for other states, and the competition for graduates is just as tough,” the Premier said. “We are determined to ensure the nurses, paramedics, allied health workers and doctors are there for patients when they need.”

The Premier said the healthcare system in NSW has been neglected for at least the last twelve years, but his government is committed to fulfilling their election promise to create a strong and sustainable industry in the state.

“There’s a long way to go rebuilding our healthcare system, but we’re committed and we are making progress,” Minns said.

There are up to 4,000 subsidies available for students enrolling in healthcare degrees, and the NSW Minister for Health Ryan Park said the program is just one part of the government’s plan to improve healthcare workplaces in NSW.

“By supporting students’ health studies and transition into the NSW Health workforce, this program is one of the many initiatives this government is rolling out to support staff and increase the workforce across the public health system,” Minister Park said.

“We are committed to building a more engaged, capable and supported workforce.”

As the representative for a rapidly growing area of NSW, Member for Leppington Nathan Hagarty said the Tertiary Health Study Subsidy Program will benefit southwestern NSW greatly.

“The study subsidies will help lower the barrier for many here in southwestern Sydney to pursue their dream career in healthcare,” Hagarty said.

“The southwestern Sydney region is a growing area and there will always be a large demand for healthcare services, so these subsidies are an important measure to ensure our workforce of the future can meet these growing needs.”

Applications for the program opened on Monday and will remain open until all subsidies have been awarded.

The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on healthcare systems around the world, as hospitals were overcrowded and staff were under-resourced and overworked. 

In 2021-2022, NSW Health lost around 12.6 per cent of its nursing staff in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Several strikes led by the NSW Nurses and Midwives Association were held in the last two years, calling on government action to improve working conditions for healthcare workers.

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Researchers at the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute and Ambulance Victoria said these findings might be due to bystanders feeling uncomfortable about undressing and exposing the breasts of women who are suffering from a cardiac arrest and require defibrillation.

Dr Liz Paratz from the Baker Institute said defibrillation can save a person’s life, and these statistics suggest men could have higher survival rates of cardiac arrest, due to the higher likelihood of receiving defibrillation.

“It shows that strategies to promote bystander defibrillation in women experiencing a cardiac arrest in the community with a shockable rhythm should be a priority,” Dr Paratz said.

“Multiple studies across Japan, the Netherlands and the United States have reported that female out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients are less likely to have automatic external defibrillator (AED) pads applied to even ascertain cardiac rhythm in the first instance.

“We know there may be some reasons why bystanders may not perform defibrillation on women but it is critical that we address these issues as they could mean the difference between life and death.”

When someone is in #cardiacarrest, take Liz's advice & "get in there". Know how to use a #defibrillator & don't be afraid to use it on men & women.@AmbulanceVic @StVincentsMelb @AAMRI_Aus @Alfred_Research @AlfredHealth @thecsanz @OzCvA @MaryAnneThomas https://t.co/t2D2SYqwHI

— Baker Institute (@BakerResearchAu) January 11, 2024

Dr Paratz said to curtail these statistics, first aid training causes should be more inclusive. She suggested more women volunteers at CPR training, as well as mannequins with visible female anatomy, will help make first aid respondents more proactive and comfortable in treating women who suffer from an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.

As the lead researcher and cardiologist at the Baker Institute, Dr Paratz said defibrillation gives people the “best shot at surviving” a cardiac arrest, and first aid respondents should be confident in providing this treatment no matter what body the sufferer has.

“When it comes to defibrillation, people should keep in mind that in many cases, it is simply a matter of turning on the power and the Automated External Defibrillator (AED) will coach you through the rest of the steps with visual and/or audio prompts,” Dr Paratz said.

“If a person’s heart is beating normally, they don’t need a shock. The AED will check this. It won’t give the person an electric shock unless it’s necessary. So, you can’t harm someone by using an AED. 

“And if someone’s heart has stopped, please don’t be put off by embarrassment from getting defibrillator pads on their chest – it’s their best shot at surviving.”

Out-of-hospital cardiac arrests kill almost four million people globally every year, according to the Baker Institute. In Victoria, around 20 people suffer a cardiac arrest every day, and only one in ten survive.

Dr Ziad Nehme, an Ambulance Victoria Paramedic and the Director of Research and Evaluation, said bystander defibrillation is potentially a life-saving step in treating someone who is suffering from a cardiac arrest.

“The initiatives that we’ve used to enhance rates of community CPR over the last two decades have clearly been effective, but we now need to intensify our focus on bystander defibrillation,” he said.

Dr Nehme suggested people download the GoodSAM app. It is an app where members of the community can send out an alert to people who are trained in CPR. 

“GoodSAM is a life-saving smartphone app that connects Victorians in cardiac arrest with members of the community who are willing to start CPR and apply an AED in the critical minutes before paramedics arrive,” he said.

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To address this, the government has established a National Women’s Health Advisory Council, which has been actively working over the course of 2023 to advise the government on key policy areas of women’s health.

The Council’s role is in guiding how the Government delivers on the National Women’s Health Strategy 2020-2030. This strategy outlines Australia’s national approach to improving the health of women and girls – particularly those at greatest risk of poor health – and to reducing inequities between different groups.

Assistant Minister for Health Ged Kearney, a fromer nurse, has spoken to many women who’ve experienced medical misogyny. Earlier this year, she shared insights she’s heard with Women’s Agenda.

“Women and girls deserve tailored and targeted healthcare that recognises and reflects their experiences and concerns,” said Kearney.

Despite the fact that endometriosis affects 1 in 9 women and those assigned female at birth, or 190 million people globally, research has shown that medical professionals are still touting outdated pseudoscience that having a baby cures the disease (there is currrenlty no cure). And many don’t officially get diagnosed until their early thirties as it takes an average of eight years to be diagnosed with the common condition. 

When it comes to infertility, even though the condition affects about 1 in 6 Australian couples of reproductive age, gaps in knowledge among Australian women still persist, particularly in relation to what they can do to improve the chance of having children. 

Women also experience nearly twice as much depression as men, four times as much anxiety and 12 times the rate of eating disorders, according to Women’s Health Victoria. 

These unique challenges are leading women and girls to poorer health outcomes than men and boys.

Thankfully, this past year has brought about some exciting news in many areas of women’s health research. Here’s a look back at some of the biggest developments in 2023, and what they could mean for the future. 

New research proves that PCOS won’t hinder conception with fertility treatments

Women who have been diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and wish to conceive have the same likelihood of falling pregnant as women without the condition when they undergo fertility treatments, a study from The University of Queensland has found this year.

Researchers from UQ’s School of Public Health studied 1109 women who were using fertility treatments and found no difference in births between the women with PCOS and those without PCOS. There was also no difference found between those on different treatment paths. 

In Australia, roughly one in 10 women are diagnosed with PCOS. The condition, which sees increased levels of two hormones in the body, causes women to ovulate irregularly, or not ovulate at all, making conception difficult. 

Dr Katrina Moss, a Research Fellow at the university specialising in reproductive health and assisted reproductive technology said that the latest research should provide some reassurance for women with PCOS who are anxious about their fertility.

New drugs show promising signs of slowing Alzheimer’s disease

Nearly two-thirds of Australians with dementia are women, and the numbers are only rising– the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare predicts the number of Australians with dementia to more than double by 2058 (533,800 women and 315,500 men). 

Dementia is also the leading cause of death for women, according to statistics from Dementia Australia. 

This year, pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly came out with the second drug in under a year to have been shown to slow Alzheimer’s- a form of dementia. It followed on the heels of lecanemab, sold under the brand name Leqembi.

Eli Lilly’s drug, donanemab, has been shown to slow the pace of the disease by about a third – a feat experts previously thought impossible.

In the company’s trial, there were 1,182 participants with early-stage disease whose brains had deposits of two key Alzheimer;s proteins, beta amyloid as well as intermediate levels of tau, a protein linked with the disease progression and brain cell death.

Overall, the pace of the disease was slowed by about 29 per cent with donanemab. And in a set of patients researchers thought more likely to respond, the clinical decline of the disease was at 35 per cent compared to a placebo. 

Australia welcomes its first uterine transplant baby 

Australia’s first uterine transplant baby, Henry Bryant, was born this week at a Sydney hospital.

“It’s been a whirlwind year and to have Henry here safely is beyond anything I thought possible,” said the baby’s mother, Kirsty Bryant.

She is the first woman in Australia to undergo a uterus transplant as part of a groundbreaking research trial led by Associate Professor Rebecca Deans, Gynaecology Specialist at the Royal Hospital for Women and clinical academic at UNSW Medicine & Health. 

“After my hysterectomy, I desperately wanted another child and I felt like there weren’t many options for somebody in my situation,” Bryant said.

“To hold this baby in my arms is a dream come true.”

First baby born in Australia from a cheaper alternative to IVF

Australia’s first ever baby conceived via a new clinical procedure to treat infertility was born this year.

Leanna and Theo Loutas celebrated the birth of their first-born, Bonnie, in October at Sydney’s Royal Hospital for Women in Randwick. 

Earlier this year, the couple were offered a new fertility procedure called CAPA IVM (Capacitation in-vitro maturation) — a treatment which involves retrieving eggs at an immature stage and bringing them to maturity in cell culture. It results in higher pregnancy rates per cycle.

It eliminates the need for two weeks of hormone treatment and costs about half the price of traditional IVF. 

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A post shared by RHW Foundation (@royalforwomen)

A world-first endometriosis discovery was made by researchers in Sydney

Researchers at the Royal Hospital for Women in Sydney made a world-first discovery into the diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis this year. 

The team successfully grew tissue from all known types of endometriosis in a laboratory. This has allowed researchers to observe cell changes and compare how different tissue responds to different treatments.

An increased understanding will allow doctors to better diagnose varying types of endometriosis to ensure patients receive the most effective treatment. 

The new development will also help determine whether a woman with endometriosis is likely to need fertility treatment in the future. 

Largest ever genetic study of endometriosis reveals links to other chronic pain

The largest ever genetic study of endometriosis has found that genetic risk factors are also associated with other chronic pain types such as migraine, back pain and multi-site pain. 

Researchers from the University of Queensland’s Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Dr. Sally Mortlock and Professor Grant Montgomery, collaborated with University of Oxford researchers and 24 teams across the world to compare the DNA code of more than 60,000 women with endometriosis and 700,000 women without the disease. 

The shared genetic basis for endometriosis and other types of seemingly unrelated pain may be indicative of ‘sensitisation’ of the central nervous system, according to Dr. Morlock, who says “This makes people suffering from chronic pain more prone to other types of pain”.

Before the study, researchers knew of 17 genetic regions associated with endometriosis compared to the 42 regions now known. They can now work to better understand what genes in these regions do and find new drug targets, leading to new treatments.

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The festive season, typically associated with joy and celebration, can pose a significant challenge for those who have experienced repeated violence, abuse, neglect, and exploitation – collectively termed as complex trauma.

For individuals whose families failed to provide a sense of safety and nurture, the gatherings of family and friends during Christmas and other faith-based festivals can prompt unresolved issues to surface. Complexities of family structures and societal expectations can become overwhelming, particularly for the more than 1 in 4 or over 5 million adult Australians grappling with the lasting impacts of complex trauma, often from childhood.

The reality is, many of us find the holiday season challenging due to its frenetic pace. This can be overwhelming for those living with particular sensitivities as a result of past trauma, and with readily triggered nervous systems. It’s important to acknowledge that every emotion you may be feeling during this season is valid and understandable for your unique situation. Navigating feelings of distress, anxiety, or loneliness is not simple, but it’s crucial to recognise them and be compassionate with ourselves. For many trauma survivors, this is easier said than done, but there are strategies available that can offer valuable support.

Strategies for Survivors

Try to prioritise the basics – eat reasonably well, stay hydrated, and get as much rest as you can, while knowing that doing this may not always be easy, and that’s okay. During stressful times, we can all revert to coping strategies which may not be constructive. If possible, try to think about alternative strategies, giving yourself small rewards, and practicing gentle selfcare. These approaches, when combined, can be transformative.

And even though this sounds trite, don’t forget to breathe. Slow, deep breaths in through the nose, and out through the mouth can be a powerful tool in managing overwhelming emotions. During times of stress, it’s easy to unknowingly hold our breath, and this can heighten our feelings of anxiety.

Many of us struggle to articulate our needs, often prioritising the needs of others. That’s because it’s easier to help others than to help ourselves. For survivors, saying ‘no’ can be particularly challenging, yet it’s important to try and set boundaries which are healthy for you. This may involve opting out of events that may exacerbate distress. Try to take time for yourself, engage in activities that bring you comfort and solace, and remember that it’s more than okay to prioritise your wellbeing.

Doing what you can to ground yourself can also help you to feel more secure during challenging times. Survivors can find themselves thrown back into past traumas quite easily. Simple strategies, such as observing your surroundings, noting colours, and listening to sounds, can bring you back to the present. Some people find touching textured objects, listening to soothing music, or vocalising thoughts can reconnect them to the current moment. Stepping out into nature, breathing in fresh air, splashing cold water on your face, and reminding yourself of your safety in the present, can also be grounding for some.

Try to plan if you can, even if it is not easy to do. Anticipate how you will manage different situations to try and feel in control, and reduce any stress you may experience. Consider activities that help you feel relaxed and content, and plan them after particularly challenging events. 

If you are facing the prospect of spending the holidays alone – whether by choice or circumstance – you have an opportunity to use the time for self-discovery and self care. Try to engage in activities that bring solace, plan time with someone from your support network, or reach out to a trusted friend, or family member with whom you share a healthy connection.

Most importantly, be kind to yourself. Holidays are tricky for many people, and survivors often struggle with self-compassion. Practice self-kindness and remember that if you need support, organisations like Blue Knot are here for you throughout the holidays.

Effectively managing the holidays if you have experiences of complex trauma involves dedicating yourself to self-compassion and understanding. Try to recognise and acknowledge your emotions, practice healthy boundaries, and use grounding techniques which work for you. See how you can prioritise your wellbeing, and approach the season, with its inevitable ups and downs, with a gentleness toward yourself.

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Blue Knot Foundation provides information and support for anyone who is affected by complex trauma. Complex trauma is repeated, ongoing, and often extreme interpersonal trauma (between people) – violence, abuse, neglect or exploitation experienced as a child, young person and adult.

Blue Knot Helpline and Redress Support Service can be contacted on 1300 657 380. The service operates between 9 am and 5 pm AEDT, 7 days a week, and is in operation throughout the holiday season. All Blue Knot counsellors are experienced trauma counsellors. 

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