New PCOS resources help First Nations women take control

The resources are relatable, locally-designed, and in language.

A partnership between Jean Hailes for Women’s Health and the Central Australian Aboriginal Congress is helping Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women learn about and manage Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS).

With funding from the federal government, the organisations have designed culturally safe and easy to understand resources including brochures, educational kits and animations to help women recognise and manager the symptoms of PCOS.

PCOS affects up to one in six Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, far more than the one in 10 women and girls of non-Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background.

“This project has been a great opportunity to inform Aboriginal women in our community about PCOS, and importantly help them understand that there are things that they can do to help manage the condition,” said Tahnia Edwards, manager of Central Australian Aboriginal Congress’ Alukura Women’s Health Service.

Symptoms of the condition can include irregular periods or no periods, weight gain and increased risk of experiencing anxiety and depression, as well as fertility issues, and chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Edwards said the project gives women the opportunity to increase their awareness of their bodies and start conversations about PCOS. This can be useful when women are having trouble becoming pregnant and have seek support around their fertility, she added.

The culturally safe resources feature artwork by Arrernte artist Amunda Gorey, and illustrations by Coolamon Creative, from the Northern Territory. The illustrations reflect the lives, environment and culture of First Nations’ women, while simple explanations replace complex medical information.

Staff members of Congress and Jean Hailes at the launch of the resources.

Importantly, the resources are in language and have been checked for cultural safety so they don’t cause people to feel shame.

“It’s very important for us to have these resources, and even more important to have them in local languages,” said Sabella Turner, female lead Aboriginal cultural advisor at Central Australian Aboriginal Congress. 

The partnership between Jean Hailes and Congress Alukura was initiated in 2020, when research discovered a lack of resources about PCOS for both Aboriginal women and health professionals.

“It’s been so wonderful to be able to have these resources developed in Central Australia in partnership with Congress, for both health professionals and Aboriginal women in Mparntwe and surrounding communities,” said Renea Camilleri, Women’s Health Week and community engagement manager at Jean Hailes. 

“The partnership between Jean Hailes and Alukura Women’s Health Service has been enriching and invaluable. Community engagement ensures we can reach priority groups right across Australia, providing all women with trusted and evidence-based health information.”