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A Voice for Change

Changing the landscape for women with Gynaecological, Sexual and related Mental Health Issues

Media

MP Trish Cook speaks Vulva Health awareness – Parliament House Canberra

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On 14 September 2026, Trish Cook MP spoke in the Federal Parliament’s Women’s Health debate and spoke about my advocacy for vulval health and vulval cancer. She even put the words “vulva” and “vulval cancer” into Hansard, ending with the wonderful words: “Viva la vulva.” https://www.facebook.com/reel/3355953107921611

After more than 30 years of speaking up about women’s gynaecological health, I had been feeling that perhaps some of my advocacy — including International Gynaecological Awareness Day — had fallen on deaf ears.

Finding this parliamentary record reminded me that sometimes we simply don’t get to see where the ripples go.

Here is the Hansard record for anyone who would like to read Trish’s contribution:

Federal Hansard – Women’s Health debate, 14 September 2026

I would be delighted if you felt this was something worth sharing with your networks.

With thanks,

Kath Mazzella OAM
Gynaecological Cancer Survivor | Author | Advocate
International Gynaecological Awareness Day – 10 September

Kath Mazzella OAM submission to the Senate Select Committee on Women’s Health

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RANZCOG Magazine Vulva Awareness Article

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International Gynaecological Awareness Day celebration – progress

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Well what a lead up to the Gynaecological Awareness Day with momentum forging ahead.  What’s most exciting was the collaboration with Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology acknowledging and sharing links of women’s issues.

“Today is International Gynaecological Awareness Day, and we’d like to highlight the emotional, social and psychological impacts of living with a gynaecological condition. Persistent pelvic pain, for instance, can have a profound impact on many aspects of life and functioning, affecting a woman’s identity, ability to be intimate and the capacity to have and care for children. Learn more with this O&G Mag article: https://www.ogmagazine.org.au/21/2-21/the-stigma-of-pain/ #IGAD

 #IGAD While pain is part of our working lives, coping with distressed patients may seem overwhelming. This article provides suggestions to enhance and support your management of patients with chronic pain, anxiety and depression: https://www.ogmagazine.org.au/20/3-20/mental-health-and-pelvic-pain/

 #IGAD Perinatal mental health difficulties related to depression, anxiety and trauma are more common than often thought. Such difficulties are likely to recur in other pregnancies, can become chronic and have long-term consequences for the mother, her infant and relationships with others: “https://www.ogmagazine.org.au/20/3-20/birth-trauma-and-post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd/

 People from around the world have also joined in the IGAD campaign. Please share this link to encourage others to celebrate #IGAD2020.