Women’s Health Victoria and the Queen Victoria Women’s Centre are proud to announce the launch of Beyond the Bias: A Festival of Women’s Health and Equity, set to take place from October 10-31, 2024. This vibrant and educational festival offers a series of free events designed to empower women and raise awareness about gender equity in healthcare. The diverse program aims to engage the community through inspiring activities, ensuring that important conversations around women’s health are accessible to all.
A Celebration of Women’s Health and Gender Equity
The festival will be held at the Queen Victoria Women’s Centre and will feature an exciting lineup of events, including workshops, film screenings, exhibitions, and retro dance classes. These activities will provide an immersive experience to explore the intersection of health and gender equity.
Key highlights include:
- Labia Library Exhibition: An award-winning showcase by Women’s Health Victoria.
- Lunch’n’Learn Sessions: Topics like “Mental Health through Perimenopause and Beyond” and “Contraception, All Bodies, All Types.”
- Retro Dance Classes: Fun, retro-themed sessions by Hoops, Thighs and Buttocks.
- Closing the Gender Gap in Health Research: A symposium in collaboration with Gender Equity Victoria.
- Film Screening of DJÄKAMIRR: This powerful documentary celebrates 60,000 years of childbirth practice in Indigenous cultures.
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Engaging and Empowering the Community
The festival is an inclusive space for all women and gender-diverse people. Every event is free of charge, with the intention of making these important health topics widely accessible. According to Sally Hasler, CEO of Women’s Health Victoria, “Women’s Health Victoria is committed to driving meaningful conversations around gender equity in health, and we’re proud to partner with Queen Victoria Women’s Centre for Beyond the Bias. This festival is all about making women’s health and equity topics engaging, accessible, and empowering. By bringing the community together in creative and inspiring ways, we aim to start important conversations that will help drive real change toward a fairer health system.”
Jennifer Kanis, Chair of Queen Victoria Women’s Centre, echoed the sentiment: “We are thrilled to partner with Women’s Health Victoria on Beyond the Bias. This fantastic program of activations at the Centre in October brings women’s health to the forefront, opening up critical conversations. We hope this is the first of many partnerships with Women’s Health Victoria as the program supports our strategic priority to foster connections with aligned organisations and bring people into the Centre for participation and fun.”
Get Involved
The festival opens with an invite-only launch event on October 10, and the public program will run from October 10-31. Whether you want to dance, learn, or share your story, there are countless ways to get involved. Beyond the Bias promises to be a pivotal moment for women’s health and equity, and everyone is welcome.
For the full program, visit QVWC Beyond the Bias.
About Women’s Health Victoria
Women’s Health Victoria is a statewide, feminist, non-profit organisation that collaborates with government, the health sector, and the community to enhance health outcomes for women (inclusive of cis and trans women) and gender-diverse individuals. They advocate for healthcare rights and access while delivering critical resources and services to ensure all Victorians can experience optimal health, free from discrimination. Learn more at whv.org.au.
About Queen Victoria Women’s Centre
The Queen Victoria Women’s Centre (QVWC) creates space for women and gender-diverse people to thrive, envisioning a world where they are empowered, celebrated, and supported in shaping their futures. QVWC is an inclusive community and enterprise that works tirelessly for the advancement of women and gender-diverse people. Visit qvwc.org.au for more information.
