The Victorian Government’s Inquiry into Women’s Pain has released its findings, highlighting significant disparities in how women experience and report pain within the healthcare system. The report, titled Bridging the Gender Pain Gap, has been endorsed by Women’s Health in the South East (WHISE), which describes it as a pivotal step towards addressing systemic inequalities affecting women’s health in Victoria.
The Inquiry is based on insights from over 13,000 women and gender-diverse individuals, revealing a troubling reality: women’s pain is frequently overlooked or dismissed. “The health system still fails to recognise and respond to women’s pain,” stated Kit McMahon, CEO of WHISE. She emphasized that the report outlines a necessary framework for reimagining healthcare to prioritize women’s health.
Recommendations for Systemic Reform
The Inquiry presents 27 recommendations aimed at reforming healthcare across seven critical areas. Among these suggestions is the recognition of the ‘green whistle,’ a notable innovation from Peninsula Health, which aims to enhance pain management services.
In preparation for the Inquiry, WHISE engaged local communities by holding forums in Mordialloc, Bass, Clyde North, and Hampton Park. These gatherings allowed more than 120 women and gender-diverse participants to share their personal experiences with pain and healthcare. Many voiced concerns about their pain being dismissed or misdiagnosed, and highlighted the interconnectedness of physical pain with mental health issues and experiences of family violence.
“Pain is never just physical — it encapsulates trauma, violence, and disbelief,” McMahon noted. She pointed out that the lasting impacts of family violence and sexual abuse on women’s health can be profound. Healing, she argued, begins with acknowledging women’s experiences and building a system focused on their safety and recovery.
A Call for Comprehensive Change
WHISE supports the Inquiry’s findings and looks forward to contributing its knowledge and regional insights to ensure that the recommendations are effectively implemented. McMahon stresses that this initiative is about more than simply addressing women’s pain; it is about creating a supportive environment that enhances women’s health and well-being.
To achieve these goals, WHISE advocates for a coordinated approach that involves collaboration between government, healthcare providers, educational institutions, and research organizations. “Women’s health should no longer be treated as peripheral or optional,” McMahon asserted. “We require a connected and accountable health system that integrates women’s experiences and equity at all levels.”
The organization also plans to collaborate with the Victorian Government and local partners to implement the recommendations through evidence-based practices. “This Inquiry marks the beginning of structural change,” McMahon concluded. “It is essential for government, healthcare professionals, and communities to unite in closing the gender pain gap once and for all.”
For further details, the full report titled Bridging the Gender Pain Gap – Inquiry into Women’s Pain is available for review.
