what we do

Gender equality in health and wellbeing

Gender equality in health and wellbeing means that people of all genders have the information, services and supports they need to achieve and maintain optimal health and wellbeing.

There has been a historic and ongoing lack of attention to – and investment in – the health and wellbeing needs and experiences of cisgender women and trans and gender diverse people. To achieve health equality, we need to identify and address gendered health biases and bridge the gap in health research, policy and services – the process of gender equity.

What is ‘women’s health and wellbeing’?

Our focus on women’s health and wellbeing encompasses all aspects of cisgender and transgender women and girls’ health, supporting the ‘state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity’ *. Our work covers a vast range of topics, needs and issues also encompassing many of the health, safety and equity needs of some gender diverse people, intersex people and trans men.

 *(WHO 2025, Constitution, accessed 23 January 2025)

Our priority health issues

We work alongside the state government to identify the current priority issues we need to focus on. These evolve over time, based on what our research and community consultations tell us are the most pressing health and wellbeing issues for Victorians. Our current priorities are:

  • gender equality in health and wellbeing

  • gendered violence prevention

  • sexual and reproductive health

  • chronic disease prevention

  • mental health and wellbeing

  • women in a changing society – climate change, emergency, and disaster situations.