Introduction by Croakey: Written submissions into the Victorian Department of Health’s Inquiry into Women’s Pain close next week, on Wednesday 31 July.
The inquiry is part of Victoria’s Women’s Health and Wellbeing Program and aims to “provide recommendations to inform improved models of care and service delivery for Victorian girls and women experiencing pain in the future”.
“Medical gender bias routinely leads to a denial of pain and therefore, lack of pain relief and associated treatment for women,” the inquiry website states.
According to Kate May, a health promotion and communications consultant, the inquiry is “promising work” on the road to a more gender-responsive health system, one that is designed to address gender differences.
Below, May reports from the online launch of the Australian Women’s Health Alliance’s new e-learning course, Introduction to Gender-Responsive Health.
Kate May writes:
A gender-responsive health system would reduce inequalities and inequities, not only between genders, but also in broader communities and society, according to a panel of experts and advocates in women’s health.
Also, we would have a great opportunity to build stronger evidence and support better health, the panellists said.
The panel was part of the Australian Women’s Health Alliance’s launch of a new e-learning course, ‘Introduction to Gender-Responsive Health’, on 19 June.
With support from the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care, the Alliance created the free e-learning course in collaboration with members, health professionals, and policymakers.
The course was developed to address the need for ongoing professional development in implementing gendered approaches to health and prevention. It is designed for health professionals, researchers, policymakers, leaders, and others working or studying in the health and social care sectors.
Hosted by MC Sally Moyle, panel members included Aboriginal medical doctor and Chair of Violence Prevention Australia, Dr Samara McNeil, health promotion and communications consultant Kate May and feminist leadership specialist Katherine Lim. Australian Women’s Health Alliance Senior Project Officer Sienna Aguilar and Board Director Heidi La Paglia Reid also spoke at the event.
Recognising gendered differences
Speakers pointed to the distinct health needs and experiences of women, men, and gender diverse populations and the importance of designing a health system to address those differences.
As Lim put it, “We must acknowledge that gender differences exist and ensure that our health system is designed to address these differences effectively.”
McNeil highlighted the profound impact a gender-responsive healthcare system could have on communities.
“A truly gender-responsive healthcare system would result in healed communities. Women receiving the care they need would foster strong self-determination and confidence when seeking healthcare, resulting in better health for them and their communities,” she said.
McNeil emphasized the need for awareness and education to overcome inherent biases within the healthcare system.
May used the examples of significantly higher rates of chronic reproductive, musculoskeletal and neurological conditions in women to explain why more evidence and support is needed in these areas.
“We know there are sex and gender differences in health and medicine, but our knowledge and treatment have often been based on men or outdated gender biases,” she said.
Reducing inequity
May went on to explain how gaps in the prevalence and outcomes of chronic conditions can be improved.
“If we have better knowledge, skills, and access to diagnostic and treatment services for women with debilitating symptoms like chronic pain, we can reduce the diagnosis delay and provide the treatment and tools needed to manage these conditions more effectively,” she said.
Lim, who works at The Equality Institute, stressed the importance of inclusivity. “A successful gender-responsive health system is about leaving nobody behind. By centring the voices of those most excluded, we automatically remove barriers for everyone else,” she explained.
McNeil drew attention to the connection between trauma and illness, particularly in Indigenous communities.
“Trauma, especially intergenerational trauma, manifests in physical disease. Women, particularly Indigenous women, suffer the health impacts of historical and ongoing trauma. We need to recognise and address these issues with empathy and awareness,” she said.
“A gender-responsive health system has the power to create opportunities that undo disadvantage and inequality, rather than reinforcing and compounding them. It’s about more than treating disease; it’s about building a society that supports wellbeing,” commented Lim.
Continuing conversations
While panel members were concerned that there was a long way to go to see gender-responsive health as a staple in health systems, they were optimistic and enthusiastic about the future.
They discussed how health systems are always evolving, and how we have the capability to take on the change.
McNeil and Lim offered suggestions for taking positive and practical steps including gender-responsive training for all healthcare staff, gender impact audits and assessments, and models of shared decision making.
“Systems are made up by people and the decisions that people make, so change is always possible,” said May.
May pointed to promising work that is already being done in the sector, such as the Inquiry into Women’s Pain in Victoria.
In a compelling call to action, participations were urged to keep the conversation going, continue fostering curiosity about gender and health, and bring others along on the journey.
“Engaging in conversations about gender and health, challenging our biases, and being open to learning and change are crucial steps towards a more gender-responsive health system,” said May.
The Australian Women’s Health Alliance course ‘Introduction to Gender-Responsive Health’ can be accessed on the Women’s Health Hub. Further modules in the course will be available later in 2024.
About the author
Kate May is a health promotion and communications consultant based in Melbourne. She works with public, private and not-for-profit organisations to support health promotion, communications, engagement and research projects, including as a Policy Advisor at the Australian Women’s Health Alliance.
Kate is a strong advocate for women’s health, using her understanding of public health and lived experience of chronic illness to drive change.
See Croakey’s archive of articles on health inequalities