Moving Forward Together in Aboriginal Women's Health: - Theses ...

Moving Forward TogetherJanet KellyIn 2005, the South Australian Government (2005) released a Women’s HealthPolicy as a specific focus of state health reform. Within it, the governmentrecognised women’s roles in strengthening economies, creating inclusivesocieties, and developing responsive and effective health services. The healthsystem was to be come more accessible, safer, equitable, flexible andresponsive to women, based on the belief that by improving the health of allwomen, the health of the whole community would improve (Government ofSouth Australia 2005). Women were recognised as the majority of healthconsumers, health service providers and carers in South Australia. Increasinglyresponsive services to address women’s physical, mental, emotion and socialhealth issues were promoted.Aboriginal women were specifically recognised as having the least access andworse health outcomes of all women in South Australia. An emphasis on fullparticipation and leadership of Aboriginal (and Torres Strait Islander) womenin the health system and in Aboriginal communities was made. Increasedaccess, employment and training, and culturally respectful services thatidentified and eliminated discriminatory practices were cited as steps towardincreased participation (Government of South Australia 2005). The extent towhich these intentions have been realised at the practice level are discussed inCollaboration Areas One and Two.SummaryThis chapter has discussed the primary health care, Aboriginal health andwomen’s health policies and practices that have influenced Aboriginalwomen’s health care in community health settings in South Australia over thelast forty years. The changing emphasis on biomedical/clinical illness basedservices, and comprehensive primary health and social determinants of health,reflect vastly different underlying beliefs about the value of knowledgesharing, collaboration and community participation. Aboriginal communities,organisations and policies, and women’s health policies continue to identifyand promote comprehensive primary health care as the approach that can bestmeet the complex health needs of Aboriginal women and their families.84