Women's health
Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Women’s health involves their emotional, social and physical wellbeing and is determined by the social, political and economic context of their lives, as well as by biology.
The United Nations Division for the Advancement of Women, 1995
The health issues that women experience are many and varied. These health issues do not only relate to women’s reproductive health, but also to the various aspects of women's lives that affect their health through their relationships, work, culture and the society within which they live. In responding effectively to the health issues that women experience, it is vital to recognise the diversity of women’s lives and the diversity that exists among women.
10 Point Plan for Victorian Women’s Health
VCOSS has endorsed the 10 Point Plan for Victorian Women’s Health developed by the Women’s Health Association of Victoria (WHAV). This 10 Point Plan outlines a vision for women’s health in Victoria over the next five years. It recognises the impact of gender in health and health inequalities and identifies steps to address these.
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Setting An Agenda 10 Point Plan
Convention of the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women
The United Nations’ Convention of the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) specifically protects the human rights of women in a number of areas, including access to health services.
VCOSS cohosted three forums – in Warrnambool, Bendigo and Melbourne in 2007 – exploring how community sector organisations can implement the UN’s recommendations in the recent CEDAW report. See VCOSS human rights policy work for further information.