Case Studies

Transformative Approach to Primary Prevention and Women’s Health Rights

Posted on by theme
12
Jun

Background

During 2023-24, South East Community Links (SECL) collaborated with WHISE (Women’s Health in the South East) to empower girls and women from the Burmese and Rohingya communities. This initiative aimed to educate them about their sexual and reproductive health rights, addressing a critical gap to help prevent violence against women. The Burmese women were trained to educate their communities, bringing essential knowledge to a group facing systemic injustice, racial and gender-based discrimination, and cultural integration challenges in Australia.
 

Solution

SECL and WHISE employed a train-the-trainer model over three weeks, empowering three women to co-design and deliver culturally relevant health workshops. These workshops, developed with women’s health experts, covered topics such as puberty, contraception, health screenings, menopause, family planning, and violence prevention. The initiative spanned 10 months, reaching 53 participants aged 9-62 years, fostering community ownership, and ensuring culturally sensitive content delivery.

Challenges

  • Persistent myths about women’s health due to entrenched traditional beliefs
  • Lack of culturally sensitive and trauma informed health services
  • Hesitations to access services due to language barriers, unfamiliar settings, and household responsibilities
  • Barriers to employment, education, social connections, and language
  • Strong cultural and religious beliefs that inhibit help seeking behaviours
  • Limited understanding of reproductive coercion and women’s health rights
  • Lack of sustained investment in bicultural lived experience workforce that acknowledges barriers experienced by refugee and migrant communities in accessing health care.

Outcomes

Increased access

Culturally appropriate information improved sexual and reproductive health understanding.

Awareness
Enhanced understanding of the link between health and violence prevention.
Confidence

Co-design members became more confident in discussing health topics and supporting their community.

Service engagement

Increased awareness and use of available support services.

Career interest
Co-design members are considering careers in community services, with pathways and opportunities being explored.
 

Impact

  • 100% became more informed about their sexual and reproductive choices.
  • 100% felt more confident supporting their children, especially their daughters, with sexual health and puberty.
  • 100% awareness of rights to access support services post-workshop.
  • 100% had awareness of available support services after the program.

Project Phases

Phase 1: Promotion and Recruitment (March – April 2023)

Phase 2: Capacity Building Workshops (May – June 2023)

Phase 3: Train the Trainer and Co-Design (August – September 2023)

Phase 4: Community Workshops (October 2023 – March 2024)

Co-Design Member Feedback

Valued Contributions – Views and insights were respected and valued.

Participation – Comfortable sharing perspectives and opinions.

Positive Impact – Raised community awareness and education on sexual and reproductive health.

Skill Development – Improved confidence, knowledge of support services, and communication skills.

Future Plans

  • Continuing workshops and support sessions
  • Exploring career pathways in community services for co-design members
  • Planning for delivery at Springvale Rise Primary School in Term 3.

 

This project highlights the importance of culturally relevant, community-driven programs in addressing critical health and social issues, promoting sustainable change, and empowering women within their communities.

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