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Federal Health and Aged care Assistant Minister Ged Kearney, a former nurse and former ANMF federal secretary, is encouraging nurses, midwives and carers to share their experience of gender bias in health care via an online survey.
The Department of Health and Aged Care is assisting the National Women’s Health Advisory Council to better understand the discrimination women, girls and people assigned female at birth experience in health care in Australia.
From delayed diagnosis, over medicating, dismissal of pain or other symptoms, or a lack of research and evidence used to treat women, there are many unique challenges faced by women in the health system.
ANMF members are welcome to share their personal experience or provide healthcare worker feedback.
People from communities, who often experience additional challenges, are encouraged to participate, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities, LGBTIQ people, people from regional and remote communities, and people with a disability.
The results of the survey will help the National Women’s Health Advisory Council develop recommendations to help improve outcomes for women and girls.
“What I have heard countless times is that every woman has a story – but nobody has ever asked them to tell it, Ms Kearney said.
“We know that often these experiences in the health system can be sensitive and difficult to share, so being able to participate in their own language can be really helpful for people.
“I want to thank everyone who has taken the time to share their experiences, and I urge anyone who has faced or witnessed gender bias in the health system to tell us about it,’ she said.
“We can’t fix what we don’t know, and this Australia-first public consultation is an important step in understanding the issue and how best to address it.”
Responses can be anonymous and submitted through an audio or video recording or written responses in the survey.
All options can be completed in 17 different languages, and culturally and linguistically diverse people are encouraged to tell their story in their own language.
To participate go to the online portal before Friday 13 October 2023: www.health.gov.au/womens-health-advisory-council.
