Project to survey women on sexual, reproductive healthcare

Women's Health and Wellbeing Barwon South West chief executive officer Jodie Hill wants to hear from as many people as possible in the survey. Photo: SUPPLIED

NEXT week, Women’s Health and Wellbeing Barwon South West (WHWBSW) will launch a region-first consultation to better understand and address the barriers women and gender diverse people face when getting access to sexual and reproductive healthcare in the Barwon South West region.

The groundbreaking project will be delivered in two stages. The first consists of two online surveys – one for women and gender diverse people who have accessed sexual and reproductive healthcare in the region, and another for local healthcare providers. These surveys open on Monday, May 12 and close on June 6.

The project’s second phase will involve focus groups.

It follows a key recommendation from a 2024 collaborative research report between Deakin Rural Health and WHWBSW, which highlighted that women living in rural and regional areas often experience significant and complex challenges accessing the sexual and reproductive healthcare they need.

“Rural women and gender diverse people face a number of additional barriers when trying to access essential sexual and reproductive healthcare,” Women’s Health and Wellbeing Barwon South West chief executive officer Jodie Hill said.

“These barriers include distance, cost, availability of services and stigma.

“This consultation is about listening to those with lived experience and to the healthcare professionals delivering services, so we can work together and advocate for solutions that are informed, inclusive and meaningful.”

The consultation aims to capture a broad range of experiences and insights to inform future service planning and advocacy efforts across the region.

“We want to hear from as many people as possible – whether you’ve tried to access contraception, pregnancy care, abortion services, menopause support or anything in between,” Ms Hill said.

“Your voice is vital in shaping a healthcare system that truly meets the needs of everyone in our communities.”

All responses to the survey are confidential.

To complete the survey, head to the WHWBSW website at womenshealthbsw.org.au