Happy International Women’s Day. The theme for this year's campaign is Inspire Inclusion. To truly include women means to openly embrace diversity.
We are celebrating by recognising the tremendous efforts of our diverse RFDS women who every day are making a positive difference to the lives of those living and working in rural, regional and remote Australia.
We are so appreciative of your passion and commitment to improving the health outcomes of our communities. Below you'll hear from some incredible women of the Flying Doctor who share what the day means to them and the vital work they are doing for rural women.
Our Community Engagement Coordinator, Annette Ohlsen, helped organise a Women's Health Clinic during International Women's Day! Held at our Louth Clinic, it has been made possible by the RFDSSE rural women’s health initiative in memory of Dr. Lynne Dowd.
Annette collaborates with volunteer clinic coordinators and clinical colleagues to advance women's health through education; including dedicated women’s health clinics, and a strong presence at local community events.
She said the RFDS Women's Health Days provides a great opportunity for rural women to connect, learn from, and support one another.
"These gatherings provide women the opportunity to mingle, build support systems among themselves, and have a little fun along the way," Annette added.
For her, International Women's Day is a chance to honour all women for the contributions they make to their families, communities and nation.
"It's also critical to accept their differences in terms of ethnicity, age, ability, faith, body image, and identity," Annette said.
For women living in rural and remote Australia, Annette said they are the backbone of their families and communities and like her own Mother and grandmother, is inspired by their resilience.
“Having grown up on a station my Mum and Nan were the backbone of our family. Their values of resourcefulness, consideration, can-do attitude, and high dreams were instilled in us as we grew up. We were always inspired to follow our dreams and believe in ourselves," she explained.
"I feel lucky to have had such strong women in my life as my role models, it's because of them and other strong mentors I have had during my life that I am the person I am today."
I feel lucky to have had such strong women in my life as my role models, it's because of them and other strong mentors I have had during my life that I am the person I am today.
Annette Ohlsen
In her role as a Primary Health Nurse, Abbey Barrett, is educating rural women in how to best optimise their health and says IWD is an opportunity to realise just how amazing women are.
As a Primary Health Nurse, Abbey helps educate individuals in order to optimise their health.
"This is particularly demonstrated through our nurse led clinics. During these consults we strive to promote the best health women can achieve by bringing to light the health checks they are eligible for. It’s a great opportunity for women to take some time out for themselves and to highlight to women the importance of looking after themselves in a relaxed environment," she said.
With many women often putting the needs of others before themselves, Abbey said it is vital all women make their health a top priority.
"Research has shown that the health of a whole family or even a broader community is influenced by the health of the women involved in it. It is vital that women make their health a priority in order to not only to live a healthy life, but also for the wider impact they have on the systems in rural or remote areas," she said.
It’s a day to celebrate our achievements and the progression women are making in all walks of life.
Abbey BarrettFor her, International Women’s Day is a day to stop and realise just how amazing women are.
"It’s a day to celebrate our achievements and the progression women are making in all walks of life. We truly are so incredible," Abbey said, who like Annette, is inspired by the two most important women in her life.
"My Mum and Nanna inspire me the most. They are both strong, smart, and resilient rural women who have taught me so much. They have shown me that all my goals and dreams are achievable despite growing up in a rural area. I hope to represent the same qualities in my own life," she said.
To our women within the RFDS, which includes Nurses, Doctors, Pilots, Tourism, Community Engagement, Fundraising, plus frontline and behind-the-scenes staff, thank you for helping forge an inclusive place for all.
