2010 National Women’s Health Policy

Policy Superseded

This policy has been replaced by the National Women’s Health Strategy 2020 to 2030.

The Australian Government’s National Women’s Health Policy (2010) was developed as a guide for the next 20 years to improve the health and wellbeing of all women in Australia, especially those at greatest risk of poor health.

Research from the Study is cited extensively in the policy, with evidence from ALSWH contributing to recommendations for women of all ages concerning:

Sexual and reproductive health (outcomes and risks)
Mental health, and access to mental health services
Health behaviours (diet, smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity)
Chronic conditions (such as diabetes, heart disease, arthritis)
Risk factors for depression and anxiety; health outcomes associated with depression and anxiety
Adherence to healthy behaviour guidelines
The impact of interpersonal violence and abuse on mental and physical health
The impact of comorbid conditions on physical and psychological health and social function

Contributing to health recommendations throughout the lifecourse

Young women’s health

ALSWH contributed to recommendations for young women’s health concerning:

Transitional moments in young women’s lives when health promotion can be targeted
The impact of social pressure on health issues such as body weight, self-image and risk taking behaviours
Young women’s aspirations
Weight gain after pregnancy

Mid-age women’s health

The Study contributed to recommendations for mid-age women’s health concerning:

Symptoms of menopause

Older women’s health

Contributions were made to recommendations for older women’s health concerning:

The experience of widowhood and the availability of services to assist with older bereaved women’s health, financial and social needs
The ability of older women with chronic conditions to manage on their available income