A new landmark Inquiry into Women’s Pain has been launched by the Victorian Government to offer recommendations for implementing improved models of care for those experiencing pain. The inquiry comes after a survey led by Premier of Victoria Hon Jacinta Allan revealed that ‘half of all women are impacted by issues related to their periods, pregnancy, birth and postnatal care, or conditions like endometriosis’.
The Gender Pain Gap isn’t something new, research shows that women suffer from chronic pain at a higher percentage than men. The survey uncovered that one in three women ‘said that they experienced insensitive and disrespectful practitioners who left them feeling dismissed and unheard’.
Survey Findings
- Four in 10 Victorian women are currently living with chronic pain
- Roughly 50% of participants reported that period-related conditions (e.g. heavy periods, cramping, PMS) affect their health and wellbeing
- About 50% revealed that pregnancy and birth complications continued to impact their health
- 30% of participants said that conditions such as endometriosis, menopause and chronic pain led to poor mental health
- 1 in three women have health conditions that affect their ability to perform their job and keep it
- 20% also said that their health has caused them to miss out on social connections
Due to this, women are left to experience their pain alone and are less likely to receive the proper treatment required. When pain goes untreated, it enacts a spillover effect within every aspect of a person’s life, impacting their ability to complete their daily duties.
In light of this revelation, the Victorian Premier and the Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas has launched the Inquiry into Women’s Pain as the next stage of the Labour Government’s $156 million Women’s Health and Wellbeing Program. Expert panellists for the inquiry will hear submissions from women in Victoria who are impacted by pain. The information gathered from this Inquiry will help examine systemic issues and work on solutions for these issues.
In addition to the inquiry, the Victorian government are working to implement:
- 20 new comprehensive women’s health clinics
- 9 reproductive health hubs
- Doubling the number of endo and associated surgeries
- Scholarships for 100 more women’s healthcare specialists
How we can help
At Recovery Partners’ we are committed to reducing the human and financial impact of endometriosis in the workplace, as well as secondary mental health conditions. We recognise the health benefits of good work.
If you or your employees are affected by endometriosis in the workplace, consider implementing the following measures:
| Primary workplace interventions | Secondary workplace interventions |
Build a supportive workplace culture | Appoint a workplace “Endo Champion” |
| Start a conversation | Health and wellbeing programs |
| Medical certificate for endometriosis | Endo First Aid Kit |
| Flexible working arrangements | Stretches and postures during breaks (Endo exercise poster) |
| Job and workplace modifications | Endo awareness morning teas |
| Policies and procedures | Easy to access information and update to date research |
Recovery Partners also provides a variety of services, including:
SafeMinds – an innovative workplace training program that draws from the latest research in behavioural science and psychology, focusing on best practices.
Psychological services – a wide range of professional services provided by licensed psychologists and other mental health professionals to support individuals in addressing emotional, behavioral, and mental health challenges.
Reminder: If stress is significantly affecting your daily life and wellbeing, consider seeking professional help from a counsellor or psychologist. They can provide valuable guidance and healthy coping strategies.
Disclaimer – these articles are provided to supply general safety information to people responsible for OHS in their organisation. They are general in nature and do not substitute for legal and/or professional advice. We always suggest that organisations obtain information specific to their needs. Additional information can be found at https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/