Advocacy: speaking out for women and children

OUR APPROACH TO ADVOCACY

As a feminist organisation, we provide a 'gendered lens' - a way of understanding how issues from youth recreation to police procedures or maternity services impact on the diverse lives of girls and women. We do this in all our work, especially through our professional development services and our partnerships with government, health providers, schools, police, family services and others.

The analysis we offer through our advocacy work is informed by all other aspects of what we do, including our research, community development work and family violence services. Therefore we talk not about 'what women need', but about the very different needs and experiences of diverse women in our community, and how age, ethnicity, sexuality, ability and other factors influence their experiences of health, safety and wellbeing.

Our community-based advocacy work includes events like the annual Week Without Violence. International Women's Day celebrations provide the opportunity for women to celebrate and for Women's Health West to raise awareness about various issues.