Released 04/09/2025 - Joint media release
The ACT Government is celebrating Women’s Health Week by encouraging women, girls and gender-diverse people across the ACT to ‘Say Yes to You’ and make their health and wellbeing a priority.
Women’s Health Week, celebrated nationally from 1-5 September is dedicated to raising awareness of the unique needs of women and shining a light on key issues such as preventative health, mental health, reproductive health, and the importance of staying active and connected.
A pop-up event will be held today at the ACT Government City Office, bringing together health services and community organisations to provide women with practical tools, information, check-ups and opportunities to connect with health professionals and each other.
The event features organisations such as BreastScreen ACT, Canberra Endometriosis Centre, Women’s Health Matters, Bosom Buddies, Sexual Health and Family Planning ACT, and Meridian. Attendees have the opportunity to learn about breast health, take a cervical screening test and grab a goodie bag.
Beyond today’s event, the ACT Government continues to be committed to delivering and supporting inclusive, accessible, and responsive health services for women, girls and gender diverse people, including through:
- Being the only jurisdiction in Australia to offer free abortion services for all residents, including those without a Medicare card, removing financial barriers and improving access to reproductive healthcare in partnership with Women’s Health Matters.
- Free period products at a range of ACT Government locations including ACT Libraries, public health facilities, ACT Courts, selected ACT Government facilities and more than 30 ACT public schools.
- Prioritising trauma-informed maternity care through the Maternity in Focus: ACT Public Maternity System Plan 2022-2032, which includes system and service level changes to better support individuals accessing the public maternity system, providing specialised care for early pregnancy complications through Early Pregnancy Services at the Centenary Hospital for Women and Children, and promoting culturally safe birthing practices for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
- Providing vital free screening programs through BreastScreen ACT for women aged 40 years and older, and supporting the National Cervical Screening Program, ensuring early detection and prevention of serious health conditions.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health, Rachel Stephen-Smith:
“Many women are the primary carers in families and communities, which means they can often put their own health last. This week is about reminding women across Canberra to look after themselves, to book those health checks they may have been putting off, and to make time for their own physical and mental wellbeing.
“We know some women experience additional barriers to their health care and can be disproportionately affected by certain health issues. The ACT Government remains committed to supporting initiatives that improve access to affordable, safe and high-quality health care for all women.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Women, Dr Marisa Paterson:
“Women’s health is not one-size-fits-all. From menstruation and fertility to pregnancy, menopause and healthy ageing, every stage of life brings its own challenges and opportunities. Women’s Health Week is a time to speak openly about these experiences and to recognise how difficult it can be to juggle health, work, family, and community responsibilities every day.
“In the ACT, we are committed to making sure that all women, girls and gender diverse people, regardless of their age, background, culture or circumstances, have access to the care, information and support they need to live healthy, fulfilling lives.”
- Statement ends -
Rachel Stephen-Smith, MLA | Marisa Paterson, MLA | Media Releases