Last week we launched Action for Equity 2024–2030: A sexual and reproductive health strategy for Melbourne’s west.
We heard from Dale Wakefield, CEO at GenWest, and Sarah Lorrimar, Sexologist and Team Leader – Sexual and Reproductive Health at GenWest, about the impact of the partnership and the last strategy, and the process for developing the new strategy.
Jen Power from Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society gave a fascinating and eye-opening speech on The Politics of Sexual Health Equity.
We had the pleasure of hearing a panel discussion on Collective action for equity - how do we transform SRH in Melbourne’s west? Thank you to Kate Phillips, General Manager - Gender Equity at GenWest, for moderating and to the fantastic panellists for your insightful and generous discussion:
- Shukria Alewi, Health Promotion Coordinator - FARREP at GenWest
- Jacob Thomas, Health Impact Officer at Moonee Valley City Council
- Pier Moro, Coordinator Multicultural Health & Support Services at Centre for Culture, Ethnicity & Health
- Carolyn Mogharbel, Manager at 1800 My Options
Action for Equity 2024-2030 is a regional sexual and reproductive health strategy. It is an Action for Equity partnership which takes an equity-based, regional and collaborative approach to improving population-level sexual and reproductive health outcomes in Melbourne’s west.
Developed and implemented by the Action for Equity partnership, the strategy leads collective, coordinated and evidence-based action, so that all people in the west experience optimal sexual and reproductive health, without exception.
Melbourne’s west is one of Victoria’s most vibrant and diverse regions. It is also home to many groups and communities that experience poorer sexual and reproductive health outcomes compared to the population as a whole. Coordinated action focusing on equity is required to improve the sexual and reproductive health status of Melbourne’s west while leaving no one behind.
Action for Equity incorporates primary prevention initiatives across a range of settings and sectors that work to redress the social determinants of sexual and reproductive health inequities to achieve health equity.
The plan is supported by a collaborative partnership of 14 organisations, including women’s and community health services, local and state government, multicultural health organisations, LBTIQA+ specialist organisations and a primary health network. The plan is led by GenWest.
