Tuesday, 13 August 2024

Women’s health

Luba GRIGOROVITCH (Kororoit) (13:42): Last week in my electorate of Kororoit we held a women’s pain inquiry forum in Caroline Springs, and what an incredible event it was. The women from my electorate shared their lived experiences of dealing with pain and pain management, detailing what they have experienced firsthand when trying to seek help. Women face real and enduring challenges when seeking care and support for pain, and some of the stories that were shared were absolutely harrowing. We heard of women being denied pain relief, being told that their pain was not real and being misdiagnosed when seeking help. We also heard about the extensive impact that experiencing pain can have on women and of course those around them. Health issues grow roots into every aspect of a woman’s life. As one attendee aptly put it, these roots are not able to be seen but they make everyday life a struggle. While these stories were difficult to listen to, we must hear them loud and clear. I am proud to be part of a government that is listening to these perspectives as part of the inquiry into women’s pain.

I would also like to thank my friend Minister Mary-Anne Thomas for joining me at this event and for being such a brave and tireless advocate for women’s health. I would also like to thank Professor Sue Matthews, Kym Arthur, Fi Macrae, Dr Louise Reynolds and all of the staff at Safer Care Victoria who made this event and inquiry possible. Finally, I would like to thank the women who so bravely shared their stories in the hope that change will come.