Women’s Health Victoria and Queen Victoria Women’s Centre are joining forces to bring you Beyond the Bias: a festival of women’s health and equity.
From 10 – 31 October, join us at QVWC to celebrate women’s health and wellbeing and learn about gender equity in health across a range of free events, activities, and experiences.
From informative women’s health info sessions to film screenings, to immersive exhibitions, to retro dance classes, there are so many ways to get involved! All activities are accessible and completely free.
FESTIVAL PROGRAM
10-31 Oct: The Labia Library Room
10-31 Oct: Share Your Story
12 Oct: Dance Class - 80s Theme
15 Oct: Lunch and Learn #1
22 Oct: Lunch and Learn #2
25 Oct: Closing the Gender Gap in Health Research
29 Oct: Dance Class - 90s Theme
31 Oct: DJÄKAMIRR film screening - more details to be announced!
The Labia Library Room 10-31 October
Have you ever wondered “is my vagina normal?”
Many people have. That’s why Women’s Health Victoria created The Labia Library, to show that when it comes to labia, there is no one version of normal. This October, the award-winning Labia Library website is being transformed into an exhibit at QVWC. Visit the space between 10-31 October to learn all about the diversity of labia and the empowering, positive impact of the Labia Library; and to view a gallery of labia photos that shows just how unique everyone’s labia are.
Lunch’n’Learn Events
Session 1: Mental Health through Perimenopause, Menopause, and Beyond - 15 October, 12-1PM - BOOK HERE
Presented by Women’s Health Victoria and Jenny Babb, Director of Wren – the Women’s Recovery Network.
Did you know that women’s mental health is a gender equity issue? This enlightening session for women and gender diverse people in their 30’s, 40’s and beyond, will cover:
The biological and social factors influencing your mental health during perimenopause, menopause, and beyond
The strategies and treatment options to manage your mental health during these life stages
How women’s mental health is a gender equity issue.
Session 2: Contraception: All Bodies, All Types - 22 October, 12-1PM - BOOK HERE
Presented by 1800 My Options – a service of Women’s Health Victoria.
In this informative session, explore contraception options that cater to all bodies and life stages. Presented by the knowledgeable team from 1800 My Options, this session will cover:
What, where, how, and when: Learn about the key decisions you'll face regarding contraception throughout your life, what steps to take, and where to access the right support.
Common Questions: Discover answers to frequently asked questions about contraception options.
Expert Guidance: Who to talk to if you're unsure about your contraception choices (hint: 1800 My Options is here to help!).
Anonymous Q&A: Find out everything you always wanted to know about contraception (but didn’t want to ask!)
Hoops, Thighs and Buttocks Dance Classes
Get those legwarmers ready and pull out your fluro headband for two dance sessions run by Hoops, Thighs and Buttocks!
Sing along to classic tunes in the 80’s dance session on Saturday 12 October from 3-4PM - Book Here
Decide which Spice Girl you are in 90’s pop dance class on Tuesday 26 October from 6-7PM - Book Here
These sessions are fun, free and open for everyone and will be sure to get you moving!
Sextember Zine 10-31 October
The Sextember Zine, produced by 1800 My Options, is an annual compilation of wonderful writing and artwork on all things sexual and reproductive health – addressing topics including sex, dating, pleasure, relationships, consent, body image, contraception, abortion, STIs, sex education, healthcare, and much, much more! This year’s issue is bigger than ever – read the zine HERE or visit QVWC to get your hands on one to take home.
Share Your Story
Have you ever felt ignored or dismissed by your doctor? Been unable to find a healthcare provider who understands or respects your reproductive health choices? Been told you were ‘too emotional’?
We know that as a woman (cis or trans) or gender diverse person, getting the respectful and appropriate healthcare you deserve is not always easy. That’s why we want to hear from you.
Visit QVWC during 10-31 October and share your story via an anonymous online survey about the challenges you faced receiving quality health care – the barriers that came up along the way, and what helped you to get the support and information that you needed.
Big or small, yesterday or twenty years ago, one sentence or ten paragraphs, your experiences are important.
Closing the Gender Gap in Health Research - 25 Oct 12.30-2.30PM - BOOK HERE
This hybrid event is being hosted by Gender Equity Victoria (GEN VIC) in partnership with Monash Women's Health Alliance, the Victorian Chapter of the Association of Australian Medical Research Institutes (AAMRI VIC) and Women's Health Victoria.
Minister for Health, the Hon Mary-Anne Thomas will provide an overview of what the Victorian Government is exploring and representatives from each partnering organisation will also share their perspectives and experiences to inform ongoing collaborative actions. Together we can make a difference and introduce much needed changes to improve health outcomes for our women and girls.
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