When you think about "women's health", what comes to mind?
Maybe it's a pap smear, a mental health day or — if you're anything like me — guilt about putting off that GP appointment again.
But for many women and girls across Australia, the reality is far more complex.
And the truth is, we're not just overdue for a check-up. We're overdue for an in-depth national conversation.
So, to help get that conversation started, Mamamia spoke with Katie McLeish, Executive Officer of the Sisterhood Foundation — a powerful charity backed by Priceline Pharmacy to support the health and wellbeing of Australian women and girls.
Many common — and often debilitating — women's health challenges are still not being talked about enough.
From menstrual hygiene and fertility to economic insecurity and perinatal care, the issues facing women and girls every day are vast and often invisible.
"We still see the health system failing so many women," said Katie.
And the numbers speak volumes.
"One in four women can't afford period products on a regular basis. One in five new mums will experience perinatal anxiety or depression. One in seven live with endometriosis, often for years without a diagnosis."
And health research still has dangerous gaps too.
"A report just published by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) revealed that cardiovascular disease is more likely to be missed or misdiagnosed in women, partly because heart disease is often thought of as a men's health issue," Katie added.
"That's not just a statistic. That's a gap in understanding that puts lives at risk."
Since 2011, the Sisterhood Foundation and Priceline Pharmacy have partnered to empower women and girls, helping them build resilience in their health and wellbeing.
Katie said this partnership is urgently needed to close the gaps in health awareness and care that leave women unheard and unsupported.
"Too many women have been dismissed when they say, 'Something's not right'. That has to stop. The system wasn't built with us in mind — and it needs to change."
The Sisterhood Foundation financially supports eight diverse charities dedicated to improving women and girls' health — not through quick fixes or one-off donations, but long-term capacity building.
"We don't deliver programs ourselves," Katie explained. "Instead, we fund the experts on the ground so they can better support women and drive lasting change to their health and wellbeing."
And the best part? Even our small contributions can have a real impact.
All year round, Priceline customers can make a difference with a small action at the checkout. In-store, customers can round up their purchase, while online shoppers can add a $2 donation to their order — all tax-deductible too!
Image: Supplied.
That spare change goes directly to the Sisterhood Foundation's charity partners.
"It might only be a few cents on top of a mascara or cleanser," said Katie. "But when thousands of people say 'yes', it becomes something powerful. That money goes straight to the charities supporting the women and girls who need it most."
The Sisterhood Foundation's charities each address a vital part of women's health — like Share the Dignity, tackling period poverty; PANDA, supporting new parents and Her Heart, focused on cardiac care.
Others, like Smiling Mind, Fitted for Work, SisterWorks, Motherless Daughters Australia and Jean Hailes for Women, support women's mental health, employment, grief and evidence-based education materials.
"Women's health isn't one-size-fits-all," said Katie. "That's why our partners reflect a diverse mix of needs."
With a shared focus on supporting women's empowerment and wellbeing, Priceline Pharmacy and the Sisterhood Foundation are proudly aligned in their mission to help women feel strong, supported and seen in every stage of life.
Katie told Mamamia the story of a young refugee woman who arrived in Australia, unable to speak a word of English, after fleeing persecution in Afghanistan.
"She found SisterWorks and completed a training program in Melbourne. Now she's working at API's Melbourne distribution centre (sister company to Priceline), financially independent for the first time and living a healthy, well-connected life. That's what opportunity looks like."
"That kind of empowering support changes lives," Katie said.
It's about visibility of women's health and redefining what that means: Teaching girls to recognise a heart attack, helping new mums and speaking openly about menopause, trauma and grief as health topics.
The Sisterhood Foundation has become one of Australia's largest philanthropic funders dedicated to women's health.
But as Katie said, "That's an honour and a worry. We need more. Women deserve more."
To support the Sisterhood Foundation during HER July, head to Priceline Pharmacy's website or donate in-store by July 23, 2025.
This information is general in nature and does not replace the advice of a healthcare professional. As with any medical condition, always seek health advice from a qualified healthcare professional.
Feature Image: Canva.
