Transforming Victoria’s health system

The issue

Health inequities – the avoidable uneven health outcomes experienced across our communities – are created and sustained by systems of inequality, including sexism, racism, colonialism, ableism, heterosexism and cisgenderism, and capitalism. Systemic bias in health priorities and investment has created gaps in the research, policy and services needed to meet the health and wellbeing needs of cisgender women and trans and gender diverse people. The result is poorer health outcomes, which, in turn, negatively impact engagement in education, employment, social and political participation, and economic stability. It also increases demand on the health system – including primary care, hospitals and mental health services – and the spending required to meet this demand.

Our work

We identify what is needed to ensure Victoria’s health system is designed to support the health and wellbeing of all women and gender diverse people, no matter who they are or where they live.

• We provide intersectional analysis, evidence and advice to improve legislation, policy and service provision. This includes research into current and emerging gendered health issues, service gaps and structural barriers, and solutions.

• We deliver preventative health initiatives across the state to help Victorians stay well and reduce demand on clinical and response services.

• We coordinate partnerships and initiatives across the state to deliver the government’s health, gender equality and safety goals.

By addressing these research, policy and service system gaps, we help move Victoria closer to the vision shared by the Victorian public health and wellbeing plan 2023–2027 and Our equal state: Victoria’s gender equality strategy 2023–2027 for a state where ‘the health and wellbeing of Victorians is not limited by gender’ (State of Victoria, 2023).

Case studies