HER RESEARCH

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Women have historically been under represented in health and medical research, contributing to gaps in what is known about women’s health, how conditions present and how women experience healthcare.

There is also a need to look beyond diagnosis and physical symptoms alone. Health and wellbeing are influenced by psychological, social and economic factors, life stage, caring and work responsibilities, access to healthcare, relationships and the communities in which women live. Her Alliance undertakes research to better understand these intersections and contribute evidence that reflects the realities of women’s lives.

Our research brings together established evidence, structured data and women’s lived experience, with the aim of identifying patterns, gaps and priorities that can inform services, practice and future research.

The Ipswich, Greater Springfield & Surrounds Women’s Wellbeing Survey is the first research project undertaken by Her Alliance to build a more detailed picture of women’s health and wellbeing within the region. While national and state-level data provide important population insights, they cannot always identify the experiences, priorities and service gaps occurring within individual communities.

The 2026 survey examines women’s wellbeing across interconnected areas of life, including:

• mental and emotional wellbeing
• physical and reproductive health
• life stages and transitions
• work, caring responsibilities and financial wellbeing
• connection and belonging
• access to healthcare and services
• safety
• confidence, participation and personal growth
• barriers to accessing services and maintaining wellbeing.

Rather than examining these areas in isolation, the research considers how they interact and where particular experiences, barriers or gaps may be affecting women’s wellbeing.

FROM EXPERIENCE TO EVIDENCE:

The survey is designed to identify what is working, where gaps exist and what women identify as priorities.

Findings will be analysed and reported through the Ipswich, Greater Springfield & Surrounds Women’s Wellbeing Report 2026, creating a local evidence base that can contribute to future service development, collaboration, advocacy and further research.