General News
3 March, 2025
Healthcare the topic for Int Women's Day
Explore the theme 'March Forward' this International Women's Day at a lunchtime event at Horsham Town Hall next Friday March 7.
International Women’s Day is a time to unite to celebrate, connect and focus on action to create a gender-equal society.
From noon until 1.30pm, attendees will hear from speakers examining the challenges and opportunities surrounding access to women’s health care and the power of collective action and advocacy in driving meaningful change.
Member of Rotary Club of Horsham East Robyn Lardner said the organising committee was excited to be hosting a multi-layered approach by looking at women's choices throughout different life stages.
This year’s event will shine a spotlight on health equity and access to health services for Wimmera women at all stages of life, including sexual and reproductive health and antenatal and menopause care.
"Research shows there are many barriers for women accessing health services, ranging through gender bias, affordable care or cultural differences, which can lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment," Ms Lardner said.
"When women's interests are addressed as the speakers will discuss, then health agencies as a combined force can achieve better solutions and bridge the gap in healthcare."
Attendees will hear from Carolyn Mogharbel from 1800 My Options at Women’s Health Victoria, Shannon Hill from Women’s Health Grampians and Emily Smith from By Five, gaining valuable insights into the current landscape of women’s health services and how everyone can contribute to improving health outcomes.
"The conversation featuring speakers from different perspectives including statewide experiences to what is happening in the Wimmera and how challenges best be addressed to improve outcomes for women of any age seeking health services for their reproductive and sexual health," Ms Lardner said.
"The committee is very grateful to the many sponsors supporting this event who too believe in the importance of 'March Forward' demonstrating leadership to build on improved, integrated services for women."
This event is supported by Uniting, Centre for Participation, Horsham Rural City Council, Grampians Community Health, Ballarat and Grampians Community Legal Service, Wimmera Southern Mallee Development, Rotary Club of Horsham East, Federation University, Women’s Health Grampians and Wimmera Women Connect.
Tickets are $10 for adults or $8 for concession holders.