Pledging support for women’s health
20 February 2026
Members of parliament from across the political spectrum have signed a pledge of support at a women’s health services showcase held at Parliament House.
Organised by the Women’s Health Services Network, the event brought together 12 women’s health services to highlight the work happening in communities across Victoria to improve women’s health and well-being.
‘We've got everyone represented from Gippsland all the way to Mildura and all around metropolitan Melbourne as well,’ said Kate Phillips, CEO of Women’s Health East.
‘And we're here to shine a light on women's health and that's everything from achieving gender equality, the prevention of family violence and supporting really strong mental health outcomes.’
Each of the 12 organisations works closely with its community to understand local needs and ensure that services and programs genuinely reflect the lived experiences of the people they support.
‘That means showing up for our communities because that’s what we strive to do every day,’ Ms Phillips said.
Victoria’s diversity brings both richness and complexity. Regions vary widely in population growth, service access, and exposure to climate‑related challenges such as heatwaves and bushfires. These factors shape physical and mental health outcomes and create different needs across the state.
The network’s collaborative structure is key to navigating these differences.
Each organisation understands its local context deeply, Ms Phillips noted.
‘And when we work together, we can scale what works, learn from what doesn’t, and make sure we are as strong of a network as we can be,’ she said.
By supporting programs, policies and services in areas of greatest need, the Women’s Health Services Network ensures that insights and aid flow across the state, creating a more equitable, responsive and resilient health system for all Victorian women and gender‑diverse people.