Improving access and outcomes for women and gender diverse people from rural communities

The issue

When compared with people living in metropolitan areas, ‘on average, Australians living in rural and remote areas have shorter lives, higher levels of disease and injury and poorer access to and use of health services’ (AIHW 2024b).

The health of rural communities is influenced by fewer local education and employment options, lower incomes, less access to safe and affordable housing and transportation, higher rates of gendered violence, food insecurity and the impacts of climate change and disaster (NRHA 2024). There are fewer local health services, particularly when it comes to sexual and reproductive health, mental health and gendered violence supports.

Our work

Our five rural women’s health services have longstanding relationships with communities, services and councils across their regions, working together to reduce the health disparities experienced by rural communities. We elevate the voices, experiences and unique strengths of rural communities to identify tailored local solutions to increase health equity.

• We undertake research, evidence building and analysis to understand the current and emerging gendered health needs, barriers and solutions for rural communities across the state.

• We provide tailored place-based health promotion activities to rural communities and workforces, including information, training and organisational development.

• We support increased health service availability and accessibility so that more rural women and gender diverse people can access support close to home.

Case studies