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EDITION 3 2013

EDITION

Our Community, Our Rights participants are getting things done! p.12
PHOTO: Scout Kozakiewicz

inside:

A word from the ceo

Welcome to the third edition of WHW News for 2013. This edition focuses on our priority area of mental wellbeing and social connectedness. On page 2, womens health promotion manager, Annarella Hardiman, explains our approach to social connectedness and the necessity of both formal and informal connections to support mental health and wellbeing. As I write we are days away from an election, bringing into focus the relationship between the broader Australian political process, the mental health and wellbeing of our whole community and the important role that social connections play in reducing isolation and building resilience within communities. Two articles in particular reflect on that topic. One on pages 10-11 written by our co-manager in health promotion, Helen Makregiorgos, and our newest health promotion worker, Kate Hauser examines the treatment of women in leadership positions and its impact on attitudes, behaviours and values, as well as on our ability to prevent violence against women. It is a thought-provoking article. The other, on page 14, written by health promotion worker Shifrah Blustein, considers the impact of measures by the two major parties to gain an electoral advantage by introducing increasingly inhumane policies for dealing with asylum seekers. Our feedback from diverse communities in the west, many of whom came to Australia as asylum seekers themselves, is

Dr Robyn Gregory

that regressive immigration policies leave them feeling increasingly unwelcome, even vilified by the wider community. Shifrah also writes about two programs designed to protect and enhance the human rights of newly-arrived women from refugee backgrounds. Our Community, Our Rights, introduced on pages 12-13, was designed by WHW to increase womens confidence to participate in their community and develop collaborative strategies to assist other community members to do the same. Our financial literacy program, outlined on page 16, also works with refugees in this case Oromo women to build connections with other women and service providers, understand the Australian financial system, and help secure their future and that of their children. Of course, building connections and accessing information in a new country is difficult for anyone, but it is particularly so for women arriving from countries where the health, safety and wellbeing of women was not a government priority. One of our Family and Reproductive Rights Education Program (FARREP) workers, Intesar Homed, writes about the partnership we have developed with PapScreen Victoria to increase Pap testing in communities that practice FGM/C. You can read more about this project on page 15. As the tier of government closest to our community, local councils play a key role in enhancing the health, safety and wellbeing of diverse communities in the west. WHW supports the work of our councils through the municipal public health and wellbeing

Working with local government to keep women safe, well and connected p.5

Crisis economics: when demand is greater than supply p.6

Demand for family violence crisis services continues to grow exponentially while our service size remains static. Heres one way we use our limited resources to respond to women immediately.

Women, leadership and equality p.10

Australia has a long way to go before women are treated with the same respect, and afforded the same rights and opportunities as men

Continued p.2

womens health west equity and justice for women in the west

Continued from p.1

planning process, as outlined by Health Promotion Coordinator, Elly Taylor, in her article on page 5. And board director, Cath Bateman, who was the recipient of the 2012 Sally Isaac Memorial Scholarship, emphasises the centrality of working with community members to facilitate and affect change, when she outlines the project she undertook because of the award, on page 4. In reading this edition of the newsletter, it is clear how front and centre women are in our programs and projects. Similarly, children must be front and centre in any process designed to work towards healing and recovery from the experience of family violence. On pages 8-9, our favourite kangaroo, Ruby Roo, joins childrens counsellor, Stephanie, in presenting photos and information about what has been going on with the kids at WHW. Older kids have been the focus of our latest Girls Talk Guys Talk program currently running at Footscray City College. Our new health promoting schools coordinator, Felicity Marlowe, updates us on the program on page 17, including an exciting new resource for years 7 and 8 students developed in collaboration with the secondary school nursing program and a range of other partners. Another of our valued partners is Household Relief Fund, a charity that provides women leaving refuge with necessary items like whitegoods to set up a safe new home. On page7, founder Jenny Hickinbotham tells us just how those funds were spent over the past year. During the same period rates of family violence reporting have increased dramatically. On page 6 our intake coordinator, Hang, uses a case study to demonstrate how we have dealt with this increase. Of course, one of the greatest causes of family violence is the low status of women in society so WHW plans to explore the theme of women and leadership at our annual general meeting on 20 November, with a debate on the topic. The notice for our AGM is on page 19, so put the date in your diary now like our two previous debates, it promises to be thought-provoking and entertaining!

Mental wellbeing & social connectedness

Annarella Hardiman, Health Promotion Manager

omens Health West works to improve the lives of women in the region in direct and immediate ways, as well as using broader strategies of social change and advocacy that work towards the equality, safety and rights of women generally. This approach recognises that our health is determined by factors like equity, social inclusion and wellbeing, so WHW run programs that help educate the community about mental health, reduce isolation and break down stigmas about poor mental health. I was pleased then to hear these very philosophies and values articulated at the National Social Inclusion and Complex Needs conference organised by the Public Health Association of Australia in April. The message was that communities experiencing social problems and challenges are not lacking ability, resolve or community strength, but rather they lack the resources to enable them to realise their potential and strength. We absolve society of responsibility when we label individuals, households and whole communities in particular locations problematic. Speakers argued that while people have complex needs, the complexity of service systems might create difficulty for those they are supposed to assist. For example, the difficulty one person can experience when trying to develop trust and rapport with many workers and agencies.

Women experiencing mental illness can have greater needs for support to improve their health, mental health, daily living and social support, and access to mainstream providers. Women and their carers can be socially marginalised and struggle to obtain sufficient support. However, WHW recognise that as well as formal mental health services, it is also critical to use natural community resources to stay well what we refer to as social connectedness. WHW support the participation of women particularly those from marginalised and oppressed groups by using communitystrengthening approaches that increase levels of community engagement, developing direct programs to provide opportunities to participate in activities, and enhancing the ability of other organisations to create opportunities that increase womens participation in diverse activities. This is the mental wellbeing and social connectedness edition of whw news and articles that specifically focus on this priority area are marked with this logo:

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ISSN # 1834-7096 Editor: Nicola Harte Contributors to this edition: Anna Vu, Annarella Hardiman, Catherine Bateman, Debra Wannan, Sophie, Elly Taylor, Felicity Marlowe, Hang, Helen Makregiorgos, Intesar Homed, Jenny Hickinbotham, Kate Hauser, Nicola Harte, Robyn Gregory, Shifrah Blustein, Stephanie Photographers: Catherine Bateman, Ian Wilbraham, Nicola Harte, Scout Kozakiewicz, Stephanie, Veronica Garcia Illustrations: Isis & Pluto Design and layout: Susan Miller, millervision@netspace.net.au

Editorial Policy: Contributions from readers are welcome. Opinions expressed in this newsletter do not necessarily reflect those of Womens Health West (WHW). All contributions are the responsibility of the individual author. The final decision on inclusion lies with WHW and the editor. Content must be in keeping with WHWs vision and goals. Short items are preferred. Email contributions to comms@whwest.org.au and include your name and phone number. Read this edition and archives of WHW News online at www.whwest.org.au/news/newsletter/ Edition 3 published: October 2013 Deadline for edition 1: 10 February 2014

whw news EDITION 3 2013

Behind theWHW scenes Staff

PHOTO: Veronica Garcia

Helen Makregiorgos
HEALTH PROMOTION MANAGER

While completing my arts and social work degrees I volunteered for Lifeline as a telephone counsellor, trainer and supervisor. My first paid job was for the Crisis Accommodation Centre. My last 12 years working years were in management including 7 years at CASA House, FARREP, the Aboriginal Womens Health Business Unit, the social work department and Family Accommodation Services at the Womens Hospital. The feminist philosophy and vision to change the structural determinants of womens health drew me to WHW. Outside of work, Im establishing an Australian Association of Social Workers Womens Health Practice group with women who share my passion for the integration of a gender and equity lens in social work practice.

time job is manager of the Pregnancy Advisory Service at the Womens Hospital. I was attracted to WHW because I believe research, policy development, advocacy and community development are integral to service delivery. Now that I no longer teach flying I can enjoy normal weekends instead of spending freezing winter mornings or boiling summer days with a nervous, excited and/or sweaty student pilot. Im also a keen cyclist, so if youre interested in the Murray to Moyne ride next year - please contact me!

Felicity Marlowe
HEALTH PROMOTING SCHOOLS COORDINATOR

Nura
FAMILY AND REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS EDUCATION PROGRAM COMMUNITY WORKER

Kate Hauser
HEALTH PROMOTION WORKER

My first real job at age 15 was working part-time in a bakery my Dad kindly drove me to the 6am shift! Prior to WHW I worked at Yarra City Council on gender equity and prevention of violence against women. I have taught community development, worked with same sex attracted and trans* young people, coordinated Rainbow Network, been a School Focused Youth Service coordinator and a community advocate for Rainbow Families Council. The first tasks of my new role that I am most excited about are promoting Girls Talk Guys Talk and encouraging workers across the western region to support health promoting schools. Ed - Trans* is the term that encompasses all gender identities

My first job was as a community development worker with African communities settling into Flemington estate. I enjoyed advocating for accessible and culturally-appropriate services and provided information sessions as well as case management and referral. Ive also been a community educator for Equal Opportunity Victoria specialising in new immigrants tenancy rights. Most recently I was an after hours crisis response worker in Womens Health Wests family violence outreach team. This new role will be challenging; female genital cutting is a sensitive topic.

Annarella Hardiman
HEALTH PROMOTION MANAGER

My research, management and project work in womens health has focused on pregnancy, parenting, drug and alcohol abuse and sexual assault. My other part

I recently graduated with a degree in politics and international studies. Last year, as an intern for the Ethnic Communities Council of Victoria, I researched the service response to family violence in Victorian CALD and refugee communities. I am the Deputy Chair of Young UN Women Australia, which keeps my spare moments filled with intelligent young women and men debating strategies to advance gender equity. My relationship with WHW began as a You, Me and Us peer educator when I fell in love with both the work and the people here; Im thrilled to be starting my role in the health promotion team.

Jessica
CRISIS RESPONSE WORKER

Nadine
CHILDRENS COUNSELLOR

I worked in special schools and in other disability support roles; taught English in China; picked apples, grapes and anything tasty from around Oz; put on plays and puppet shows; and facilitated community art projects prior to starting my career as an art therapist. My first REAL job was in a private psychiatric hospital and prior to WHW I supported mums with mental illness in a home-based outreach position. Im looking forward to bringing a dynamic group art therapy program to the children of the west

My first job was in a Mexican restaurant the summer after I finished school. It was too long ago to remember a lot about it, but I still love nachos and margaritas. I have been involved in the arts industry, including making a public art installation, running an arts space for local artists and running projects for young children. I have degrees in commerce and fine arts, and a postgraduate diploma in counselling. I have worked as a community development officer, mainly in a local neighbourhood house in Adelaide promoting and implementing community programs. So my job at WHW is a new direction for me.

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PHOTOS: Nicola Harte

with the childrens counselling team and cant wait for my collection of puppets to meet Ruby Roo and co!

Behind the scenes Board

Catherine Bateman
BOARD DIRECTOR

Asia Pacific Monitoring and Evaluation Meeting

Women Deliver 2013

I also attended the Women Deliver 2013 forum on issues as diverse as maternal mortality, sexuality education, human rights and HIV/ AIDS. Women Deliver is an organisation set up to support the advancement of Millennium Development Goal 5: Reduce by three quarters, between 1990 and 2015, the maternal mortality ratio and achieve, by 2015, universal access to reproductive health. Stand-out moments included sessions that questioned my preconceptions about hymen reconstruction and results-based financing. There were also some exceptional speakers including Kavita Ramdas from the Ford Foundation, Gary Dowsett from the Australian Research Centre on Sex Health and Society, and Venkatraman Chandra-Mouli from the World Health Organisation, who I believe when he says hes passionate about young people. Although I was disappointed by some aspects of Women Deliver 2013, I did learn how I would organise such an event:

n July 2012 I joined six World YWCA women to mentor sixteen young women from Aotearoa New Zealand, Australia, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa and the Solomon Islands. We reconvened in Bangkok this May to share achievements, report on monitoring and evaluation, develop new skills, and plan the next phase. This experience showed me how powerful young women can be when given support like training, mentoring and money. Last year I was awarded the Sally Isaac Memorial Scholarship and received $10,000 toward my educational expenses. I was working on the mentoring project at the time and the connection certainly wasnt lost on me. The award is for young women doing great things in their communities and here I was, preparing young women to receive grants of $20,000 to help them do awesome things in their communities under very tough circumstances. In Bangkok, we heard about the challenges young Sri Lankan women face when trying to teach sexual and reproductive health and rights in communities where young women traditionally have no voice or rights. Solomon Islanders delivered human rights education to young women and men, including the sons of village chiefs who would soon be responsible for tribal traditions in their communities. In India, young women tackled the stigma of HIV by developing music videos based on real life stories. The project taught me that community members are the best people to affect change and that those with knowledge, power and money need to facilitate opportunities for them to do that. So Ive used the Sally Isaac Award funds to set up a grant-making body supporting ideas from young women here in Australia. EDITH (Energy, Determination, Identity, Tenacity, Hope) may still be a baby, but Ive seen that resourcing the right people at the right time can make all the difference.

friendly and inspiring, and include young people in all panels, not only those focused on youth.

5 Deliver on accountability. Develop

real time monitoring and evaluation methods to track the mood of the audience and make changes as you go.

1 Deliver information. Plenary sessions

can focus on more complex ideas.

6 Deliver on action. Plan the program

around an agenda and goal to engage participants in contributing to an exciting outcome.

2 Deliver solutions. Offer

discussion about changes and improvements possible.

7 Deliver on equality. Treat all

participants equally (youth, disabled, language other than English) and do away with VIP areas or special assistance to dignitaries.

3 Deliver an integrated program.

Link plenary sessions with breakout sessions and ensure the links are clear to encourage a sense of where even small ideas fit with the big picture.

8 Deliver on progress. Use real words

e.g. penis, vagina, contraception and abortion instead of euphemisms like family planning.

4 Deliver genuinely for youth.

Offer youth space that is safe,

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Keeping women safe, well and connected

Elly Taylor, Health Promotion Coordinator

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Local governments municipal public health and wellbeing planning

In the lead up to the October 2012 local council elections, Womens Health West, in partnership with womens health services across Victoria, implemented a pre-election campaign called Safe, Well and Connected: Victorian Local Government Action Plan for Womens Health 2012-2016. We asked council candidates to commit to ten actions that they would implement if elected. The response from council candidates is evidence of the strong political will to support health equity for women and girls in Melbournes west.

CEO

Dr Robyn Gregory and Health Promotion Worker Stephanie Rich presented to councils, making the case for prioritising womens health, safety and wellbeing as a local government health concern. Recent data shows that while womens achievements in areas such as education are on par with, or indeed exceed, those of men, women still fare worse in relation to employment opportunities, income, personal and public safety, English proficiency and continue to undertake the bulk of (unpaid) childcare, domestic labour and caring responsibilities for people with a disability. All newly-appointed councils prepare a four-year strategic plan outlining initiatives they will undertake to prevent and reduce ill health and promote optimal wellbeing in their area. So WHW developed a set of gender analysis advocacy tools to support each of the seven local governments in our catchment to adopt a gender-sensitive approach to municipal public health planning, and program and service provision. These tools provided sexdisaggregated data and a gendered analysis of the following health priorities:

disaggregated data to analyse the NorthWest Metropolitan Department of Healths regional management priorities of housing, employment, education and transport. You can download the tool for your local government area from www. whwest.org.au/resource/data/ The next stage was to provide feedback on draft municipal public health and wellbeing plans to continue the work begun through Safe, Well and Connected. All of the plans released for public exhibition when this newsletter went to print named prevention of violence against women as a health priority, and two councils nominated sexual and reproductive health promotion as a strategic health priority as well. This is an exciting outcome for women because local government the tier of government closest to our community plays an integral role in community health, safety and wellbeing. WHW congratulates local governments throughout the west on their innovative municipal public health and wellbeing plans. We are proud of our partnerships with the seven councils most notably through our collaborative work to prevent violence against women and look forward to strengthening these relationships.

Mental health and social connectedness

The tools outline ways that councils can plan for and support cultural diversity, and explain the needs of important population groups such as women with a disability and women who are sole parents. We also use the sex-

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ILLUSTRATION Isis & Pluto

Prevention of violence against women Sexual and reproductive health

Interim response what it is and why we use it

Hang, Family Violence Intake Coordinator

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Womens Health West is the family violence service for the western region. What does this mean in real terms?

n the last financial year, WHW provided a range of services including: 3,825 telephone supports to women and children experiencing family violence in the western suburbs 366 drop ins and face to face appointments with women 775 secondary consultations to external support providers 665 women supported at three magistrates courts Responding to 4,025 police faxback referrals

Our intake team is comprised of only eleven workers so the wait for case management is about two weeks. We have, however, developed strategies to manage this demand. One strategy is an interim response that involves providing women with short term emotional support, information, risk assessment and safety planning. Weve found that women respond better to case management when there is continual engagement with the service, by informing them of their position on the waiting list. Heres an example of the way the system works:

CASE STUDY
Beth* has one child and was in a ten-year relationship. The violence she had experienced included sexual and physical assault. After the incident, Beth left home and stayed with a friend in another region. She accessed the family violence service in that region and wanted to return to her home in the western suburbs once the interim intervention order was served so that her child could go back to school. When we received the referral Beth needed support with:

Returning to court for her intervention order hearing Applying to the Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal for funds to change her locks and replace her window Obtaining counselling about the sexual assault Accessing financial resources from Centrelink

Our response
Womens Health West arranged a Centrelink appointment for Beth to apply for parenting and crisis payments. We organised court support for her intervention order hearing through the WHW court support service. Then we assisted her to apply for VOCAT assistance and arranged for a locksmith to change her locks and replace her broken window.

Outcome
ILLUSTRATION Isis & Pluto

By the time we were able to allocate Beth with a case manager, we had been able to support her at court and she felt safe to return to her house. *Not her real name The interim response enables us to assess a womans immediate needs and refer appropriately until we have the capacity to offer full case management. If you are in immediate danger call the police on 000. To escape family violence contact us on 9689 9588 or call the Womens Domestic Violence Crisis Service on 1800 015 188.

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Save the date!

Fundraiser for Womens Health West

Board vacancy
Do you want equity and justice for women? Do you live, work or study in Melbournes West?

magine being on the board of a feminist organisation bursting with passionate, clever women who are committed to improving equity and justice for women in Melbournes diverse western region. Womens Health West works to change the conditions that cause and maintain womens oppression, by delivering family violence services and health promotion activities. As a volunteer board director you would join a diverse and respected group of nine directors at monthly meetings in Footscray, as well as representing the board on at least one task group. We ask for your commitment of time and energy.

501 Receptions Footscray

Saturday 26th October 7pm - 11:30pm 501 Barkly Street, Footscray

This is your opportunity to contribute:

Recognised leadership skills Expertise and understanding of womens health in a social context Strategic leadership, financial management and compliance, strategic planning, performance management and evaluation

Gather your lady pals and get in quick! The night includes 2 courses, drinks*, great music, MC and other excitement! And on top of this youll be raising cash for Footscrays Women's Health West all for $65.
Bookings essential via the WOW facebook
(*sparkling, wine & beer!)

pagewww.facebook.com/womenofthewest

In particular, we are interested to hear from women with specific skills and experience in financial management and local government. You will enjoy stimulating discussion and the support of a great team as we work to achieve our ambitious goals. If this sounds like you then we would love to hear from you. Please phone Leigh Russell via Womens Health West on (03) 9689-9588.

whw news EDITION 3 2013

The Ruby files

Ruby Roo the Kangaroo, Stephanie, Childrens Counsellors

Hi kids (and playful adults)!

Little Picassos
We had so much fun at our first Little Picassos art therapy group! We painted, listened to wonderful stories, sang, drew, did crafty things, played games and ate pizza. We learnt to express our feelings through drawing and felting. We also had visit from Sally, the previous counsellor, and had a great time. I was excited to hear one mum say her child is not anxious about new things or frightening situations any more. He is more calm, relaxed and able to talk about why he is upset.

We sang and played the ukulele and guitar; we even played some drums

We also ran the group at Womens Health Wests crisis accommodation Service with a few kids and their mums. I painted a tree and learnt about the strengths of the children who live there. They

told me it was hard to move and change school so many times because of family violence. It was also hard to make new friends but they said talking to me made things a little easier for them.

Exciting news
Another art therapist has joined our team! Her name is Nadine. She loves puppets and, when we first met, she gave me lots of cuddles. She rocks me to sleep sometimes. Nadine told me that she likes to ride her bike and experiment with making cup cakes. She is looking forward to playing with you too!

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SPLASh
This term, I met lots of children from different cultural backgrounds in our SPLASh group. I was not sure if they would accept me because I am a kangaroo but I met an Aboriginal child who made an Aboriginal flag out of felt and painted the emu footprints and I felt like I belonged. I learnt that even though we are different we can still play, and share our family violence experiences with each other.
SPLASh chill out space: This is me and my friend having some quiet time during the group. I learnt it is important to look after ourselves and take time out when things are a bit crazy in our lives.

We visited the police station again and I met my old friend, Sergeant Donna Coutts at the Melton police station. I went in the police car with the siren on really loud! Our next SPLASh group is in term four and I cannot wait to play with you all!

meet the counsellor

Just a few weeks ago, I did a presentation to many professionals at our Meet the Counsellor session. I showed them what the childrens counsellors do here and how we can help other families and children to use the counselling service.

Senior Constable Sammy Stevens gives Ruby a cuddle

If your mum is feeling sad or stressed you could tell her about this great phone number

8am midnight, 7 days a week

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PHOTOS Stephanie

I met some Japanese medical professionals who are in Australia to do a short course in womens health at the Jean Hailes Research Unit at Monash University. They came to Womens Health West to find out how we do things here it was fun to talk to them through the interpreter!

Parentline Victoria 13 22 89

Women in Leadership an
Helen Makregiorgos, Womens Health Promotion Manager and Kate Hauser, Health Promotion Worker

On 26 June 2013 the first female Prime Minister of Australia, Julia Gillard, lost her leadership of the Labor Party to Kevin Rudd. In her final speech as Prime Minister, Gillard stated, What I am absolutely confident of is it will be easier for the next woman and the woman after that and the woman after that and Im proud of that. In order for this to be the case, we still have much work to do. While the presence of strong female leadership in our parliaments, board rooms and communities is an important step in the journey toward gender equality, we must also name and redress the gendered threats and harassment that expose persistent institutional and attitudinal resistance to change.

n her recent book, The Misogyny Factor, Anne Summers highlights a resistance to both the idea, and the reality, of womens leadership and their equality with men. This is clear at a structural level in the gender pay gap, in the low value and insecure conditions attached to sectors marked as womens work, and in the lack of affordable and flexible childcare. The resistance is also clear in the treatment of women who do step up and challenge traditionally male-dominated spaces. During her time in parliament, former Prime Minister Julia Gillard has seen her body and her status as a woman targeted as grounds for debasement. Her ability to understand the needs of Australian families was questioned when Senator Bill Heffernan labelled her deliberately barren and later when Opposition Leader Tony Abbott offered to make an honest woman of her. We can also be sure that if Gillard did have children, her ability to balance her home

sexual violence are being used with increasing regularity to intimidate and silence women who speak out in both online and offline spaces. Attacks are usually framed as correctives; a necessary tactic for keeping women in their gendered place. For example, UK journalist Caroline Criado-Perez experienced a flood of violent threats over Twitter after leading a local campaign to increase the representation of historic female figures on British bank notes. One tweet read, Wouldnt mind tying this bitch to my stove. Hey sweetheart, give me a shout when youre ready to be put in your place. In 2012 feminist video blogger, Anita Sarkeesian, also faced a staggering level of abuse after calling for support to fund a project that explored the persistence of gender stereotypes in video games. In addition to countless emails and comments containing threats of rape and physical violence, trolls created an online game that prompted

It is now widely acknowledged that violence against women is preventable and that the key determinantsinclude unequal power relations between men and women, adherence to rigid gender roles and stereotypes, and broader cultures of violence.
life with her leadership responsibilities would have been challenged. More recently, a menu for a Liberal fundraiser included the following item, Julia Gillard Kentucky Fried Quail Small Breasts, Huge Thighs & a Big Red Box. The sexual nature of this menu tells young women across Australia that they live in a society where their body is a liability to their success. Though Gillards male counterparts were also subject to public scrutiny, it is important to note that their gender was not targeted as a source of shame. It was never suggested that they were not fit to lead because they were men. Outside the political sphere, gender stereotypes coupled with threats of players to physically assault Sarkeesian. These distinct experiences of gender inequality play a role in shaping the general attitudes, behaviours and values that create the conditions under which violence against women can flourish. As we work to redress gender inequity in our society it is critical that we do not trivialise the harassment and violent threats levelled at female leaders. This treatment sends the message that men have the right to control women and to remind them of appropriate feminine behaviour. This message not only limits womens active participation in public spaces, it also makes women and girls vulnerable to physical, emotional and sexual violence by men.

ILLUSTRATION Isis & Pluto

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nd Gender Equality
Womens Health West has worked in collaboration with individuals, organisations and the community for 25 years, with a focus on redressing gender inequities faced by women in the western region. Our family violence services and health promotion programs cover a broad spectrum of interventions that work towards improving womens health, safety, wellbeing and status in our society. It is now widely acknowledged that violence against women is preventable and that the key determinants of violence against women include unequal power relations between men and women, adherence to rigid gender roles and stereotypes, and broader cultures of violence. As a result, WHWs primary prevention initiatives, including leading the collaborative western region action plan for prevention of violence against women, focuses on stopping violence before it occurs by promoting gender equity. This includes building equal and respectful relationships between men and women, promoting non-violent social norms, building workplaces and communities that are safe and supportive for women and men, and improving access to resources and supports. Similarly, our work with young women from culturally diverse backgrounds to develop leadership and advocacy skills within and outside their communities is another critical aspect of building gender equity. But it doesnt stop with encouraging individual women to lead and speak out; our community leaders, sports champions, media and politicians are all responsible for shaping the behaviours, attitudes, values and environments that create and condone violence against women. Sadly, the experience of our first female prime minister has communicated the notion that Australia has a long way to go before women, whether in the private or public sphere, are treated with the same respect, and afforded the same rights and opportunities as men.
Then Prime Minister, Julia Gillard

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Caroline Criado-Perez leading the protest against the Bank of England who were going to remove the only female historical figure from banknotes and replacing her with another white man

Online game that prompts players to physically assault American feminist video blogger, Anita Sarkeesian

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http://www.feministfrequency.com/ 2012/07/image-based-harassment-and-visual-misogyny/

Image sourced from http://thewomensroom.org.uk/banknotes

PHOTO: Veronica Garcia

Shifrah Blustein, Health Promotion Worker

Our Community, Our Rights responds to the reality that newly arrived women from refugee backgrounds are less likely to invoke human rights protections and advocate for themselves, despite experiencing serious human rights violations in Australia, their home country and en route to Australia.

his project works with three newly arrived communities over three years, with the aim of enabling women to use human rights protections and accountability mechanisms, increase their level of participation in civil society, and demand change in the wider community. In 2013, we have been working with 13 women from Karen, Chin, Karenni, Kachin and Zomi communities (ethnic minority communities from Burma). We undertook extensive community consultations to try to understand what women from these communities need to feel confident to undertake human rights-based advocacy work. We also learned about the human rights issues affecting their communities. Informed by these consultations, we facilitated a series of six workshops focussing on advocacy and human

rights as they apply to everyday situations frequently encountered by the community including racism, womens rights and family violence, rights in the healthcare system, and rights at work. The program is being thoroughly evaluated by an independent health researcher using a qualitative approach, with expert cultural advice and facilitation from a skilled community evaluator from the Karen community. At the core of the evaluation are womens most significant change stories, in which women are asked to reflect on the most significant changes they and their communities experience as a result of participating in the project. Here are a few of their stories:
Three weeks ago I went to a work placement. There was a young girl

who got an injury at work placement; she was young, just finished school, and she didnt have any Workcover so she hit her head and never came back. But because of this training I know my rights, so they cant force me to do this like with that girl I came to learn that I can speak up for myself. Before the training I was quite depressed and lonely... for so many different reasons, and one is that I feel valueless being here But when I joined this training I learn new knowledge and make new friends. And now we do project so I feel like at least I can do something for the community because I cant do [it by] myself... It makes me happy and I feel like my life is back. [Our community] feel they have a responsibility to open the door [when someone knocks]. But now I know

I came to learn that I can speak up for myself It makes me happy and I feel like my life is back

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PHOTO S Scout Kozakiewicz

Our Community, Our Rights

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I came to learn I can speak up for myself

the law that the companies could be fined for knocking when I have the Do Not Knock sticker up, so I feel a lot more confident to explain and also to know we have the right not to open the door. Its very stressful when salespeople come; for those who cant speak English theyre afraid and feel responsible to open the door, so this is really important for us.

rights and accountability mechanisms in Australia has led to a feeling of entitlement to say no, to invoke human rights to protect themselves, and to exercise a greater degree of autonomy and control over their lives. Having found their voices, the women say they are ready to work on the next step toward helping [their] community. The program provides them with this opportunity by supporting participants to design and implement their own advocacy projects. Participants have formed groups and are currently working on three projects:

values and beliefs (particularly concerning family relationships)

All of the stories that women shared illustrated the importance of finding their own voice. Being respectful is a cultural imperative for communities from Burma, an attitude amplified by their experiences under an oppressive regime in their homeland and then living without legal protection in refugee camps in Thailand or as illegal refugees in Malaysia and India. Simply saying no to a salesperson who has knocked on their door, or challenging a decision made by someone perceived to be in authority (like a doctor) is fraught and avoided. Women reported that understanding the framework of legal

Life free from door-knocking two training sessions for Karen church groups in the Karen language on understanding consumer rights and strategies to deal with persistent salespeople. We will then gather signatures for a letter to companies condemning the practice of targeting newly arrived communities Gender equality for ethnic women from Burma culturally sensitive training for women from the Karenni, Zomi and Kachin communities in the Burmese language to increase their knowledge of gender equity and human rights, and build their confidence to challenge gender inequity and sexism

Working for us, with us training for service providers to discuss best practice ideas for working more effectively with the Karen community, including discussion of ethnic diversity in Burma, the impact of the Karen refugee experience, the role of Karen leaders and religion in how the community deals with problems, and Karen culture,

We are in the process of identifying a community to work with in 2014. For further information, please contact Shifrah Blustein on shifrah@whwest.org.au or 9689 9588.

Now I know the law so I feel a lot more confident this is really important for us

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Reframing the asylum seeker debate

value, not burden

Shifrah Blustein, Health Promotion Worker

The western suburbs of Melbourne have long been a settlement area for refugees, welcoming newly-arrived communities from South-East Asia, Africa, the Balkans and increasingly from the Middle East and South Asia. The west also houses asylum seekers awaiting the outcome of their refugee claims in the Maribyrnong Immigration Detention Centre as well as those on bridging visas and in community detention.

rior to August 2012, men acting as the scout for families back home comprised the majority of those claiming asylum by boat. The introduction of the no advantage rule that prevents asylum seekers from bringing family members to Australia through the family migration stream has led to an increase in the numbers of whole families embarking on dangerous boat journeys and arriving in Australia, or dying on the way. This shift is just one aspect of a long-term bipartisan policy approach of border hardening that severely curtails the regular or legalised options for entry into Australia. Through a matrix of legal and policy changes over the last 20 years, in particular a strict visa regime and the strengthening of border control techniques, a succession of Australian governments have sought to prevent the arrival of asylum seekers from certain high risk countries (that is, countries generating high numbers of asylum seekers). According to Monash University researcher Leanne Weber, the majority of border control occurs remotely through networks of outposted Department of Immigration staff, electronic screening of airline passengers, and legal repercussions for airlines allowing undocumented passengers on board rather than on the high seas. By preventing anyone without documentation getting on a plane to claim asylum safely in Australia, and by making it impossible for those from high risk countries to acquire the necessary documentation, Australia is seriously undermining the Refugees Convention. The right to seek asylum a core right protected by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights has been made inaccessible to those in the greatest need. What follows from the erosion of this right is an inevitable demand for assistance to escape persecution by whatever means a demand that people smugglers are simply cashing in on. What will destroy the demand for such exploitative assistance is the protection of the right to seek asylum safely a right Australia has agreed to protect through the availability of short-term or emergency visas that enable safe arrival and humane processing in Australia.

Instead, asylum seekers will continue to drown at sea and many more will die or be brutalised in their home countries because global border hardening policies prevented them from escaping. According to the United Nations High Commission for Refugees, between 75 to 80 per cent of displaced persons worldwide are women and children. In the same way as many other neutral policies weigh more heavily on women and children, it is clear that border hardening policies:
disproportionately impact women and children for a range of reasons, including but not limited to lower levels of swimming ability, their location below deck, the clothes they are wearing, their vulnerability to sexual violence during crossings, and succumbing to exposure and hyp[o]thermia sooner than men. Deadly borders: women and children seeking asylum, The Conversation, 3 April 2013

These particular vulnerabilities are compounded by the gendered experiences that led women to flee their home countries, which might include rape, sexual slavery, being targeted by armed forces, gendered violence and discrimination, forced marriage and human trafficking, in addition to persecution on the basis of ethnicity, sexuality, political views the list goes on. Existing genderbased inequity is exacerbated in refugee camps and immigration detention environments because of gender roles, vulnerability to exploitation and violence, and the neglect of women and childrens specific nutritional, health and welfare needs. Although we have a compassionate (as well as legal) duty to assist those in such dire need, we must reframe the asylum seeker debate: it is about value, not burden. We must recognise and emphasise the overwhelming positive contribution that refugees continue to make to our economy, society and culture. Our community in the west of Melbourne is an example of the richness and diversity of the contribution of newly-arrived communities.

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Intesar Homed, FARREP Community Worker

Preventative health is largely unfamiliar in Africa, and procedures such as Pap tests and breast screening are often not available in developing countries.

Jenny Hickinbotham

WHW

s community education work has found that many newly-arrived African women are unaware of Pap tests or their role in preventing cervical cancer. A key component of our work has been to increase womens awareness of the importance of regular tests, their ability to request a female doctor or nurse, and the need to talk to their healthcare provider about having had female genital circumcision. WHW and PapScreen Victoria recently established a partnership to develop a pilot project to increase the awareness of cervical cancer screening for women who have undergone female genital mutilation/circumcision. The project will also develop training and resources for nurse cervical screening providers in Melbournes north-west to enhance their practice with women who have undergone the FGM/C. An advisory group with membership from WHW, PapScreen Victoria, the Royal Womens Hospital, the Multicultural Centre for Womens Health and Western Region Health Centre will oversee the development, implementation and evaluation of the pilot project. This will ideally

lead to a model that can be implemented across the state. More specifically, this project will:

Establish and maintain an advisory group to guide the pilot project development, implementation and evaluation Improve the knowledge, skills and confidence of FARREP workers to raise awareness of cancer screening among women who are affected by female circumcision Improve the knowledge and skills of nurse cervical screening providers in the north-west of Melbourne to ensure their practice is accessible and culturally sensitive to the needs of women who have undergone female circumcision

ousehold Relief Fund is a charity set up by Jenny Hickinbotham in 2010. The charity was established after Jenny worked in Womens Health Wests refuge as an administrator for four years and saw a need for women and children escaping family violence to access new fridges and washing machines. Women and children escaping family violence move into the refuge and are supported by case workers who assist them to find stable, permanent accommodation, including through the Office of Housing. They also receive a Centrelink payment to fund second hand household items such as beds, mattresses, furniture and kitchen items; however, the cost of fridges and washing machines falls outside this budget. During the 2012/13 financial year Womens Health West clients accessed $11,947 worth of grants from the Household Relief Fund. This amounts to 32 per cent of the charitys total expenditure on clients for the year, which was $37,349. Womens Health West clients have purchased the following items:

WHW has a long history of working in partnership with community women affected by female genital circumcision. This experience, coupled with PapScreen Victorias expertise, state-wide reach and leadership in decreasing the incidence and mortality of cervical cancer among Victorian women, has led to a really valuable partnership to improve the sexual and reproductive health of African women in Melbournes west.

2 x televisions $893 3 x rent in arrears $2,152 1 x electricity bill in arrears $450 9 x fridges and/or washing machines, plus one microwave $8,244 1 x bed $209

If you want to find out more about Household Relief Fund, make a tax deductible donation, or join the mailing list to be kept up to date with our work, go to our website at: www.householdrelieffund.org.

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ILLUSTRATION Isis & Pluto

Western Metropolitan Region Family and Reproductive Rights Education Program and PapScreen Victoria joint project

Household Relief Fund and Womens Health West

$$$$$$$$$ Understanding money $$$$$$$$$

Oromo women and the financial literacy program
Shifrah Blustein, Health Promotion Worker

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In June 2013, Womens Health West began delivering our financial literacy program with Oromo women (a persecuted ethnic group from Ethiopia) in the Flemington public housing estate. This followed community consultations with women and with Oromo leaders during which we discussed womens needs, interests, experiences and aspirations about managing money and making financial decisions in Australia.

he Oromo women described many reasons for wanting to understand money here. They related to providing for their children, having the opportunity for leisure, feeling more confident, alleviating stress, and being able to support vulnerable people in the community: If I manage my money well, I will feel confident to go out and enjoy time with my friends. Back home, I lived in a rural area; there were no bills. Here there are so many bills and expenses to manage! Managing money well means giving your children what they need to be healthy and happy. If I have my own money and enough money to help, I am happy to help others who are poor. If I manage my money well, I was thinking to go for a holiday because why not? Ive never had a holiday before.

The 22 women who participated in the program range from recent mothers in their twenties to elders in their sixties and seventies who settled in Australia between two and twenty years ago. Most live in public housing in and around Flemington. Despite the fact that some women have been in Australia for a lengthy period, they report being highly isolated and have a very basic understanding of common financial issues such as banking, Centrelink, contracts and bills. Additionally, they all struggle on very low incomes. The group took a break for Ramadan and recommenced in late August. The remaining workshops included understanding their rights as public tenants, banking, contracts and the power of their signatures, dealing with fines, Centrelink rights and responsibilities, and understanding bills, phone and internet plans. In addition to building knowledge, skills and confidence, these workshops facilitated connections between Oromo women and service providers

in the Flemington area, including the Flemington Kensington Community Legal Centre, Anglicare Financial Counselling and Centrelink. Womens Health West has also partnered with Spectrum Migrant Resource Centre to deliver the program with Chin women in Sunshine. The program will culminate in a workshop on ways they can start their own business and responds to their requests to understand the legal and bureaucratic environment that surrounds operating a small business. Womens Health West will continue to work with newly-arrived communities to build womens understanding of financial systems in Australia, and to assist service providers to understand the financial needs and experiences of newly-arrived women. If you work with, or are connected with, women from newly-arrived communities who would benefit from this program please contact Shifrah Blustein on 96899588 or shifrah@whwest.org.au.

donations

Debra Wannan, Finance Officer Sophie, Crisis Accommodation Coordinator

omens Health West would like to extend our thanks for the following financial contributions from June to August 2013; the items listed were either new or in excellent condition. These much-appreciated donations and grants assist us to enhance our programs and services to women and children in our region. Every donation goes straight to assisting women and children. Donor
K-Mart via Melton Shire Council Deirdre ORourke Zonta Anonymous donor

Type of Donation
Box of new pyjamas Baby play mat and assorted baby toys Assorted toys Assorted baby clothes

Donor
Court ordered donation x 7 Lions Club of Victoria Werribee Magistrates Court x 3 Sunshine Magistrates Court x 2 TOTAL

Amount
$3,900 $1,000 $1,000
Sophie receiving the $1000 cheque from Robert Pace, Lions Club President

$1,500

$7,400

Donations are tax deductible. For more information see www.whwest.org.au/about-us/ donations

whw news EDITION 3 2013

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MEMBERSHIP FORM
TYPE OF MEMBERSHIP
Individual Voting Member 
NAME

Membership is free. To apply, fill in this form and mail to Womens Health West: 317319 Barkly Street, Footscray VIC 3011
CONTACT DETAILS
ADDRESS

(woman who lives, works or studies in the western metro region)

SUBURB POSTCODE

Organisational Member 
O R G A N I S AT I O N

(organisation in, or whose client-base includes, the region)

PHONE (W)

PHONE (H)

(Individual members only)

EMAIL ADDRESS C O N TA C T P E R S O N

(This person is also eligible to attend and vote at our Annual General Meeting)
POSITION

S I G N AT U R E D AT E

Associate Non-voting Member 

(individual or organisation outside the region)

Getting creative with

Footscray City College and Girls Talk Guys Talk

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Felicity Marlowe, Health Promoting Schools Coordinator

Womens Health West (WHW) aims to improve the health outcomes for young women in the western region through effective whole-school health promotion programs. The Girls Talk - Guys Talk health promoting schools program was developed by WHW to focus on respectful relationships and sexuality education. The program has been successfully implemented in four schools since 2008.

ne of these schools is Footscray City College and on Friday 23 August the young people launched Relationships Dilemmas Growing Up. Funded by School Focussed Youth Service, the DVD and educator guide built on collaborative work between Womens Health West, the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development South West Region Secondary School Nursing Program, Maribyrnong City Council Youth Services, and Footscray City College. The DVD comprises three short stories written and produced by the young people, explores the pressure to be sexually active, engages with jealousy and rumours in relationships, and highlights the role of social media in the lives of young people. Over the past two years, WHW has delivered training to school staff, health and community workers, local government staff and other interested professionals from across the western region to promote the Girls Talk - Guys Talk program. The next stage of our work is to establish a community of practice, which is a network of

people with a common interest or profession who meet regularly to share their experiences and expertise, exchange resources and ideas, and explore professional development. The community of practice will be open to all interested professionals in the region. The general aims of our community of practice are to:

to health promotion, especially in relation to respectful relationships, sexuality education and young people

Increase the capacity of these workers to deliver and implement healthpromoting schools work across the western region, thereby improving health outcomes for young people

Bring together workers who share an interest in health-promoting schools and the whole-school approach

If you are interested in participating please contact Felicity Marlowe, Health Promoting Schools Coordinator, on felicity@whest.org.au

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Featured publication

Action for Equity

Anna Vu, Health Promotion Worker
n 2 October 2013 the Western Region Sexual and Reproductive Health Promotion Partnership launched Action for Equity: A sexual and reproductive health plan for Melbournes west. The four-year sexual and reproductive health promotion plan for Melbournes west incorporates primary prevention initiatives that work to redress the social determinants of sexual and reproductive health in order to achieve health equity. Womens Health West leads a partnership of agencies (listed below) that are committed to the development of evidencebased initiatives to improve sexual and reproductive health will drive the implementation of the plan and seek to engage policy makers, health planners and local communities. You can access the plan online at http://whwest.org.au/health-promotion/ sexual-health/action-plan/ or order a copy using the form below. Western Region Sexual and Reproductive Health Promotion Partnership

Centre for Culture, Ethnicity and Health Multicultural Health and Support Service Centre for Multicultural Youth HealthWest Partnership

Health Works (part of Western Region Health Centre) Hepatitis Victoria ISIS Primary Care Migrant Resource Centre North West Western Region Health Centre Womens Health West

order form Womens Health West Publications

This form may be used as a Tax Invoice for GST purposes Order Form Tax Invoice ABN 24 036 234 159

newsletter survey
My favourite part of this newsletter was:

FREE  Action for Equity: A sexual and reproductive health plan for Melbournes west
Description Research shows that on a number of indicators, Melbournes western region is disproportionately affected by poor sexual and reproductive health. This four-year plan recognises that factors influencing sexual and reproductive health lie at multiple and interacting levels of influence, so it incorporates a range of mutually reinforcing objectives that work at the individual, community and societal level. Order by mail Information Worker Womens Health West 317 319 Barkly Street FOOTSCRAY VIC 3011 03 9689 3861 veronica@whwest.org.au 03 9689 9588 Please send payment with your order or we can invoice you. Cheques payable to: Womens Health West Qty

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Overall, in terms of clear language, reporting of Womens Health West activities and projects, design, feminist analysis of current issues and interest and relevance of articles, I rate this out of ten. newsletter Warm regards,

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A range of brochures and fact sheets are available from our web site www.whwest.org.au

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EVENTS and Notices

Womens Health West Inc AGM
The annual general meeting of Womens Health West Inc will be held on Wednesday 20 November 2013 from 4.00pm at Moonee Valley Racing Club, Committee Room, Gate 1/McPherson Street, Moonee Ponds VIC 3039 The annual general meeting will receive previous minutes, reports and the election of board members. Womens Health West has not declared any vacant positions on the board. However expressions of interest from eligible members for positions on the board are welcomed. Information to support your expression of interest is available from Womens Health West. Please return this information to the Chair: c/- Womens Health West, 317-319 Barkly Street, Footscray 3011.

Sunrise Womens Groups

Sunrise womens groups are social groups for isolated women of all ages who have a disability and want to meet other women and feel connected. The group is open to women with a physical and/ or intellectual disability and women who experience mental illness. We come together to: Build friendships and support each other Get information about staying healthy Try new things and have some fun! There are three Sunrise groups (one in Laverton, Melton and Caroline Springs) and they each get together fortnightly. All venues are wheelchair accessible and public transport is nearby. You can see the calendar of events at www.whwest.org.au/ sunrise Please contact Vicki Hester for more information or to join a group: Phone: 9689 9588 Email: vicki@whwest.org.au

Tribute to

Deborah Armour
Dear friend and colleague, We are shocked and saddened by your sudden passing. We were inspired by your vitality and your passion for the safety and wellbeing of women with a disability. Your vivacious, larger-than-life personality will be sadly missed by all. We extend our deepest sympathy to your family and friends during this difficult time. Staff and board of Womens Health West

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whw in the news

Womens Health West has featured in fourteen local news articles since the last edition of whw news. Full stories can be found online at www.whwest.org.au/news/media/articles

Womens Health West 317-319 Barkly Street Footscray 3011

phone fax email

9689 9588

9689 3861

info@whwest.org.au www.whwest.org.au

website

womens health west equity and justice for women in the west