Women and girls advisory group

The HFA Council women and girls advisory group had its first meeting in Sydney on the weekend of 22 and 23 February 2025.

This was an exciting time for everyone involved.

Recognising the work that needs to be done to represent and support women and girls more effectively, HFA Council has established this group to advise it on the needs and issues of women and girls affected by bleeding disorders and to propose a national strategic response. Women with a variety of experiences were invited by HFA to join the group and cover the range of states and territories, ages and types of bleeding disorders. There is a permanent seat on Council for the Chair of the group, meaning that women’s voice is always at the table.

In a 2-day workshop facilitated by HFA and the group Chair, Leonie Demos, the members of the group explored background issues, identified needs across the lifespan and considered some short and longer-term strategies to work towards change.

A Q&A session with Dr Liane Khoo, HTC Director at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, was a valuable opportunity to clarify medical questions and discuss some of the more complex health care challenges facing women and girls. Many thanks to Dr Khoo for volunteering to share her expertise.

As you can imagine, this is just the beginning! The group will continue to meet virtually. On their agenda are some key events in 2025 – World Haemophilia Day (‘Access for All: Women and Girls Bleed Too’), Women’s Health Week in September and the Australian Bleeding Disorders Conference in October. And a formal name! Watch this space!

WOMEN’S CONSULTATION GROUP

From time to time the women and girls advisory group will reach out to women in the bleeding disorders community for more information. This will be an opportunity to broaden the voice of women and girls as questions are identified. If you are female and would like to contribute to this consultation, you can join the HFA Women’s Consultation Group – contact Suzanne at HFA on socallaghan@haemophilia.org.au.

The Consultation Group gives feedback via email and short surveys.

Thanks to the existing Consultation Group members whose survey responses were included in the discussion on the weekend.