Our 2023 and 2025 Surveys of Women’s Health in the ACT reveal a stark picture of the barriers women face in finding and acting on reliable health information. The survey data shows that while women are highly proactive in seeking health information, two interconnected crises are getting in the way: a crisis of affordability and access, and a crisis of trust and dignity of care. Key findings include that 49% of women say they only visit a doctor when there is no other option, 20% rate their GP access as poor, and 45% report feeling not fully taken seriously by their healthcare providers, pushing many toward unverified online sources instead.
These findings are intended to inform how the ACT Government, health services, and community organisations invest in health information and navigation support for women. The survey data points away from a one-size-fits-all approach and toward targeted, trusted, and community-connected solutions, particularly for women from migrant and refugee backgrounds, women with disabilities, and those managing conditions like endometriosis, PCOS, and menopause. We invite you to read the full report and consider how the ACT can better support all women to access the health information and care they deserve.