Changing the landscape for women with Gynaecological, Sexual and related Mental Health Issues
I was honoured to be invited as a judge for the best Moulin Rouge themed decorated Ward for the International Gynaecological Awareness Day. It is great to see KEMH celebrating for the fifth year to help share the knowledge and support the millions of Women with GYN health issues in the world.
https://www.facebook.com/kath.mazzella/videos/vb.100000794621824/1142901549079655/?type=2&video_source=user_video_tab
Great to be able to share my message to the Rural Community on Regional Voices radio: https://regionalvoices.podbean.com/e/survivor-of-gynecological-cancer/
As a Gynaecological cancer survivor it soon opened up my mind to the millions of women with Gynaecological, sexual and related mental health issues in the world. The suffering in silence is huge. One needs to question why this is so in this day and age. I placed an advertisement in a woman’s magazine years ago and was amazed at how women just “put up” with issues below the belt. Mostly because they were either afraid or embarrassed. Through my initiative of the International Gynaecological Awareness Day 10 September campaign. I aim to create a voice for these women and to forewarn unsuspecting women of risks and symptoms. I don’t promote this as a health professional however whilst I see very little gynaecological health education in the global community I will never sit quietly and suffer in silence like I have seen many women do. I appeal to you to support the campaign and celebrate the day in which ever way you can. Even if it is at your breakfast table, think of the women who have gone before us and the women who still endure GYN health issues without a voice. #undiesforbetterunderstanding and quilting campaign.
Why do many men and women business leaders seem reluctant and uncomfortable in talking about “Down There”?
From my experience, as a leading voice in gynaecological and sexual health advocacy, based on my gynaecological cancer story, and recognised through my 10 awards for my advocacy work in raising the profile of gynaecological health awareness for the millions of women with gynaecological and related mental health issues, I want to challenge other leaders about their thinking on this topic.
There is no point in having a successful business, if your gynaecological health catches up with you.
3 quotes I’ve heard from leading business women:
1. I have chosen a career, I don’t wish to have children and don’t have a gynaecological health issue, therefore, I am not interested in the topic.
Response:
I challenge this thinking because firstly, Gynaecology is not just about having children. And just because you don’t have a gynaecological issue right now, doesn’t mean you won’t have one, nor does it mean the women you are leading won’t experience issues and won’t need your understanding.
The more open leaders are on the topic, the more open, compassionate and supportive women can become with one and other, and the more prepared they will be for any hiccups along the way.
2. Gynaecological health is too sensitive and intimate for women in business and women who work in the home, and therefore best not to openly discuss in public places.
Response:
Knowledge is Power. We need to gain the knowledge, so we can all help one and other. As leaders, we can be actively breaking down the stigmas and barriers associated with Gynaecological and Sexual Health, so that we can:
– Empower women to be more confident, to be vigilant and to take earlier action, to use correct terminology and to be able to share experiences and knowledge, because we know that sharing is part of the healing process.
– Save lives or lifetime complications through early intervention.
3. Gynaecological health is too complicated and confusing.
Response:
Sadly, some women wait too late to learn the knowledge that can either prevent issues or help them in early diagnosis and treatment. Consequently, they don’t understand terminology and are not confident to speak to their doctor or gynaecologist.
It makes sense, therefore, to encourage women to embrace the knowledge that will help to build confidence, so they can accurately inform business women and men in their world so they can ask for what they need in the way of support or services.
4. As an educated woman, I am slightly embarrassed by the very little I know about Gynaecological health.
Response:
There is no time like the present to educate yourself about your own body and how to prevent or get help with challenges.
I challenge all leaders to gain the knowledge and to support me in creating greater awareness by celebrating the International GYN Awareness Day (IGAD) on 10 September. Find out more about how you can do this here.
Below is article appearing in March edition of Partline to online magazine for National Rural Health Alliance.
It is hoped that this will reach far and wide to rural communities. It would be great for all to encourage their networks to celebrate the Gynae Awareness day in their corner of the world.
Link to Kaths article:
http://www.ruralhealth.org.au/partyline/article/support-international-gynaecological-awareness-day-10-september
Wongan Wobblers high tea
International Gynaecological Awareness Day (IGAD) brings communities together and raises awareness of a serious topic through an element of fun. Download the IGAD kit at https://www.kathmazzella.com/category/international-gyn-awareness-day/ to help you organise an ‘Undies for Better Understanding’ event in your local area, encouraging women to speak out.
After my radical gynaecological cancer treatment, I soon realised millions of women, including country women, have gynaecological health issues but do not have a voice. I set out as an advocate for greater recognition of gynaecological and related mental health needs. These issues are poorly understood by many professionals, the community and women’s groups. We need to improve the knowledge and attitudes of the community at large with greater education and, most of all, support women and men standing alongside their women: wives, partners, mothers, sisters, daughters, work colleagues.
The Perth Modern Quilters created a quilt to assist me to help break down barriers and stigmas. When showing the quilt to the Country Women’s Association, Western Australia I was invited as a guest speaker at their 90th conference. This led to doing many country presentations and undies workshops. There is much laughter during these workshops as they allow women to sit around with each other, share their stories and have great conversations while making their undies. It helps them to be able to converse more openly next time they approach their health practitioners and to create greater dialogue between mothers and daughters and lessen the stigmas that can be passed down from one generation to the next.
I was born in Kalgoorlie, WA. I founded the Gynaecological Awareness Information Network Inc. www.gain.org.au in 2001. As a health consumer, a survivor and a thriver I am seeking support and action for International Gynaecological Awareness Day.
