Women’s health is a key priority for NSW Health, focusing on empowering women and girls to live healthier, safer, and more fulfilling lives. Every woman’s health journey is unique, influenced by biological, social, and environmental factors. Recognising these differences allows health services to provide more equitable care and better outcomes for all.
What Is Women’s Health?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), women’s health encompasses the physical, mental, and social wellbeing of women at every stage of life — not just the absence of disease. Biological differences such as reproductive and hormonal changes, along with gender-based roles, affect how women experience health and access care.
Women often face distinct challenges shaped by social expectations, caregiving responsibilities, and limited access to healthcare resources. As highlighted by the WHO, gender inequalities and social norms can increase health risks and reduce access to education, employment, and healthcare services for women and girls.
Key Priorities for Women’s Health in NSW
NSW Health delivers a range of programs and policies that address the diverse needs of women and girls across the state. These efforts align with the National Women’s Health Policy 2010 and the ongoing National Women’s Health Strategy 2020–2030, both of which aim to improve equity and outcomes across women’s health areas.
The key focus areas include:
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Reproductive and Sexual Health – Providing access to contraception, pregnancy support, and safe maternal care.
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Chronic Disease Prevention – Encouraging early screening and healthier lifestyles to reduce risks of diabetes, cancer, and heart disease.
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Mental Health and Wellbeing – Offering tailored support for anxiety, depression, and postnatal mental health issues.
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Healthy Ageing – Supporting women through menopause and promoting active, independent living for older women.
As outlined in the NSW Women’s Health Framework, these initiatives help women achieve optimal wellbeing by addressing both biological and social factors that influence their health.
Why Women’s Health Matters
Women and girls contribute significantly to families, workplaces, and communities. Ensuring their health and safety benefits society as a whole. According to Healthdirect, taking preventive steps such as maintaining a balanced diet, exercising regularly, attending routine screenings, and seeking help for mental or emotional concerns plays a vital role in long-term wellbeing.
The NSW Gender Equality Action Plan 2025–2028 also highlights that equitable access to healthcare helps reduce systemic barriers and ensures that women receive the same quality of care and opportunities as men.
Common Health Concerns for Women
Women’s health covers a wide range of conditions, from reproductive to chronic diseases. Some of the most common include:
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Cervical and breast cancers – Regular screening can detect these conditions early, improving survival rates.
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Heart disease – Often overlooked in women, heart disease remains a leading cause of death among females.
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Mental health conditions – Anxiety, depression, and perinatal mental illnesses are more prevalent among women.
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Osteoporosis – Postmenopausal women face a higher risk of reduced bone density.
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Reproductive issues – Menstrual irregularities, endometriosis, and infertility affect women’s physical and emotional wellbeing.
The National Women’s Health Policy 2010 emphasises early prevention and intervention as the most effective ways to reduce these risks.
How NSW Health Supports Women
NSW Health provides a network of services and programs designed to support women at every stage of life. These include:
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Women’s Health Centres – Over 20 centres across NSW offer holistic services focused on prevention, counselling, and education.
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Screening Programs – Free cervical and breast screening initiatives promote early detection.
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Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services – Confidential support for women experiencing abuse or trauma.
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Mental Health Programs – Accessible care and counselling for women facing stress, depression, or anxiety.
Women can also seek tailored advice and ongoing care through Women’s Health GPs, who specialise in understanding the unique medical and emotional needs of women across all life stages.
Through community partnerships, NSW Health continues to expand outreach services, particularly for Aboriginal women, culturally and linguistically diverse populations, and women living in rural or remote areas.
What Can Women Do to Stay Healthy?
Women can take active steps to protect their health by:
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Having regular check-ups with a GP
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Participating in cancer screening programs
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Maintaining a balanced diet and exercise routine
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Managing stress and mental wellbeing
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Seeking help for reproductive or sexual health concerns
If you’re unsure where to start, visit Healthdirect’s Women’s Health page for guidance on preventive care, healthy living, and available services.
What Are the Benefits of Good Women’s Health?
Research shows that when women enjoy good physical and mental health, the benefits extend to families and communities. Healthy women are more likely to participate in education, employment, and social life, strengthening the fabric of society.
As the World Health Organization notes, achieving gender equality in health contributes directly to global development, longevity, and economic productivity.
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Women’s health is central to the wellbeing of families and communities across NSW. Through access to trusted health information, preventive screening, and ongoing care from qualified women’s health professionals, every woman can achieve positive health outcomes and lead a fulfilling life.
References
Women’s Health: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/women/Pages/default.aspx
Healthdirect – Women’s Health: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/womens-health
World Health Organization – Women’s Health: https://www.who.int/health-topics/women-s-health
National Women’s Health Policy 2010: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/national-womens-health-policy-2010
