Women’s Health Week 2025: Say yes to you

This Women’s Health Week (1–6 September), the theme is simple but powerful: “Say yes to you!”

It is about encouraging women, girls, and gender-diverse people to prioritise their health and wellbeing. Too often, women carry the mental load of caring for others while putting their own needs last. This week is a reminder to speak up, check in, and take action for your health because every check matters.

 

Prioritise your health by staying up to date with your health checks

Health checks save lives. Yet, many women delay or skip appointments while caring for family, work, and community.

If you are unsure where to begin, Jean Hailes for Women’s Health has created a free tool called ‘Her Health Check’. It is a simple guide tailored to your life stage, showing you which health checks are recommended for you.

Getting started is easier than you think:

• Complete the Her Health Check
• Book your first appointment
• Schedule the next yearly check-up at your appointment so it’s booked in.

Arm yourself with the right knowledge and tools to get more out of your health appointments

Many women report not feeling fully seen or heard when it comes to health care. Building confidence to advocate for yourself is empowering and ensures you get the support you need.

Tips for making the most of your appointments:

• ask about costs when booking
• write down your concerns and questions
• book a longer appointment if you have multiple topics to discuss
• do a little research before your visit
• remember, seeking a second (or even third) opinion is your right
• read this article for more on How to talk to your doctor.

Heat disease affects women in ways that are often overlooked. So let's talk about it.

Did you know that heart disease affects women differently and is often under-recognised? Oestrogen plays a protective role in heart health, which means risks can change over time.

A heart health check with your doctor is a vital step to reduce your risk of heart attack or stroke. The Heart Foundation recommends regular checks from:

• 45 years for most women
• 30 years for First Nations women
• 35 years for women with diabetes.

See more risk factors and warning signs here.

 

Persistent pain is not “just part of being a woman.” You do not have to push through it alone.

Conditions like endometriosis, PCOS, menopause, pelvic floor disorders, and pregnancy-related challenges can have serious effects on both physical and mental health. If pain is interfering with your life, it deserves to be taken seriously. Speak up and seek support.

See Emma’s story about persistent pain.

 

Caring for your mental health is just as important as looking after your body.

In 2025, 1 in 2 Australian women have reported to experience mental health issues, and almost a quarter are living with severe challenges. The statistics also show evidence of more women reaching out for help.

• 57% of women sought mental health support in 2025, up from 48% in 2024
• 60% of regional women reported seeking help
• 82% of indigenous women were most likely to seek help for their mental health
• 68% of women living with disability reached out for support.

(Findings from Beyond the Surface: Investigating the Mental Health Realities for Australian Women in 2025, Liptember Foundation.)

See the report here.

 

Take the first step today

This Women’s Health Week, give yourself permission to put your health first. Whether it is booking a screening, having that long-overdue conversation with your GP, or simply checking in with your mental wellbeing, saying ‘Yes to you’ is the first step toward a healthier future.

When you prioritise your health, you are not only caring for yourself. You are strengthening your family, your community, and generations to come.