Australian Women's Health Network


The Australian Women's Health Network is the peak organisation for women's health in Australia. AWHN was formed by women who attended the inaugural Community Health Association Conference in September 1986. It was incorporated on 3 March 1994. It is a non-profit network run primarily by volunteers. AWHN is an umbrella organisation for State and Territory Women’s Health Networks, and other national organisations which embrace its objectives and philosophy. The AWHN National Management Committee is made up of representatives from every state and territory in Australia.

Vision and purpose

The vision for Australia’s Women Health Network came from the Women’s Health Charter which has a goal of making sure every woman in Australia is safe. The charter hopes to ensure that women are free from violence and discrimination, and among all else, have equal opportunity and freedom from discrimination. This charter is the basis for the beliefs embedded within the Australian Women’s Health Network and works collectively to create better opportunities for women in Australia, offering a hub of organizations and services.

Role

The Australian Women's Health Networks defines their role as being “The national voice for women’s health”

Activity and funding

AWHN is a pro-choice organisation. AWHN organises the Australian Women’s Health Conference, a conference on issues concerning women. The 1st conference occurred in October 1987 at the Royal Women's Hospital in Melbourne and was funded by the Department of Health. The 7th conference was held in Sydney from May 2013. Speakers at the conference included Kimberly Dark.
In 2009, AWHN received approximately $100,000 in funding from the Department of Health and Ageing.