New Monash University report reveals critical care gaps affecting Australian women and girls
The Sisterhood Foundation has announced an additional $1 million funding commitment to support new charity partners focused on Australia’s most underfunded and misunderstood women’s health issues.
The pledge follows the release of Women Deserve Better, a national report produced in partnership with Monash University’s Health and Social Care Unit. Drawing on the voices of over 2,200 women, girls, and health and social care, policy and research experts, the research reveals significant gaps in healthcare access, recognition, and research funding.
Key findings from the Women Deserve Better report include:
- Just 3.3% of government health research funding in 2023–24 was allocated to women’s health, with most of that focused narrowly on reproductive or sexual health.
- Major areas of unmet need include:
- Mental health conditions
- Chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia
- Cardiovascular disease, which presents differently in women
- Endometriosis and reproductive health beyond fertility
- Experiences of violence and trauma
- Homelessness and housing insecurity
Many women reported feeling unheard or dismissed when raising health concerns, and called for more affordable, accessible, and gender-responsive care.
“This research gives us a clear roadmap for targeted, evidence-informed giving to deliver on our purpose to hear, acknowledge, and address the unique health issues impacting Australian women and girls, and provides powerful motivation for the Priceline Pharmacy network’s ongoing fundraising efforts,” said Katie McLeish, Executive Officer, Sisterhood Foundation. “We know where our support can have the greatest impact for women and girls in Australia and create positive health outcomes.”
Lead researcher and Senior Research Fellow, Monash University, Health and Social Care Unit, Dr Sara Holton said the report offers valuable insights to charities, government, and sectors like health, retail, and pharmacy to better recognise and respond to the needs of women and girls.
“Australia’s women and girls are calling for greater attention and support for issues that only, differently or disproportionately affect them, ” said Dr Holton.
Since launching in 2011, the Sisterhood Foundation has raised more than $13.5 million, thanks to the commitment of Priceline Pharmacy teams and their customers. In-store fundraising continues to power the Foundation’s ability to support frontline charities making a difference in women’s lives, with Priceline Pharmacy stores raising more than $650,000 during its dedicated fundraising campaign in July this year.
Current partners include: Jean Hailes for Women’s Health, Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia (PANDA), Share the Dignity, Smiling Mind, Her Heart, SisterWorks, Fitted For Work and Motherless Daughters.
“The work Priceline Pharmacy store teams do to raise awareness and connect with customers is central to the Foundation’s success,” McLeish added. “This next phase of funding builds on that legacy — and addresses real, lived health challenges faced by Australian women.”
The additional $1 million will be distributed over the next 12 months to new charity partners whose work aligns with the priority areas identified in the report.
Download a copy of Women Deserve Better here: https://www.wesfarmershealth.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Sisterhood-Foundation-x-Monash-University-Women-Deserve-Better-report.pdf