Department of Health

The Inquiry into Women's Pain report launches

08/11/25
A photograph of 3 women. All 3 women are looking at the camera with a neutral expression.

For too long women’s health has been unrecognised, misinterpreted, underserviced or siloed in the broader medical systems that were designed by and for men.

Here in Victoria, we are changing that. Because we know women's health matters.

In 2024, the Victorian Government launched a landmark Inquiry into Women's Pain – the first of its kind in Australia. The Inquiry provided Victorian girls and women with a platform to voice their experiences of pain and pain care.

The response was overwhelming. Over 8 months of consultation, more than 13,000 girls, women, gender diverse people, carers, and clinicians shared their stories through an online survey, written submissions, and focus groups attended by over 300 people.

Following extensive consultation, the Department of Health and Safer Care Victoria are pleased to share the Bridging the Gender Pain Gap report, reflecting the voices and experiences of those who contributed to the Inquiry into Women's Pain.

What we heard

As part of the Inquiry, women and girls told us about the wide-ranging impact of pain, and the barriers they face when trying to access care. An astounding 90% of respondents reported experiencing pain lasting longer than a year, and 54% described living with pain every day.

Women also shared how pain isn't just physical. For many, it affects every part of life – mental health, relationships, work, education, and participation in daily activities. Pain can isolate people from community, limit opportunities and diminish quality of life.

Many respondents also highlighted barriers within the healthcare system, identifying areas for reform. These included gender bias, stigma, stereotyping, and a lack of specialist knowledge. Some respondents reported being dismissed or gaslit. Others faced challenges accessing appropriate care due to cost, long wait times, and the complexity of navigating services that often didn't meet their needs.

  • 09 November 2025
View transcript

Next steps

The Inquiry resulted in 27 recommendations across 7 key areas to inform improved models of care and service delivery of Victorian girls and women experiencing pain in the future.

The 7 key areas for improvement include:

  • Women’s health research
  • Policy strengthening
  • Training and professional development
  • Cultural change and public awareness
  • Models of care
  • Building our workforce
  • Affordable and accessible healthcare

Thank you for sharing your voices and experiences

The Department of Health is incredibly grateful to the women, girls, carers, friends, family members, peak bodies, and healthcare professionals who took part in this landmark Inquiry.

The outcomes of this Inquiry mark a potential turning point for women’s health in Victoria – a unifying moment that can drive lasting, systemic change for generations to come.

Read the full Bridging the Gender Pain Gap report.

Reviewed 08 November 2025

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