Report June 2026 – Australia

1. National Overview

The Australian Federation of Medical Women (AFMW) continues to advance national governance reform, strengthen advocacy partnerships, and deliver programs that support medical women across Australia. AFMW’s work in Q2 2026 reflects strong alignment with MWIA priorities, including gender equity, leadership development, climate health advocacy, and support for women’s health and wellbeing. AFMW warmly welcomes Professor Jane Dahlstrom as the new ACT Representative.

2. Governance Reform: Transition to National Body Structure

AFMW is progressing major governance reform to transition to a Company Limited by Guarantee, the structure recommended by legal and governance experts for national peak bodies. Once finalised, the Constitution will be circulated to all AFMW members with the Special General Meeting notice.

3. National Advocacy & Partnerships

AFMW continues to contribute to national and international advocacy aligned with MWIA priorities.

3.1 Purple Bush Medicine Leaves Bursaries

• Nine bursaries awarded in 2026

• Each valued at $1500

• Supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander medical women

• Funded entirely through individual donations

• Recipients to be profiled in AFMW’s weekly e Bulletin

3.2 HealthEd Women’s & Children’s Health Conferences

AFMW was offered a booth in exchange for providing moderators/hosts for selected sessions — a valuable opportunity to increase visibility among women doctors.

3.3 MWIA Western Pacific Regional Conference 2027

Planning continues for the MWIA Western Pacific Regional Conference, to be held in Melbourne, 22–24 October 2027, including the Celebration of 100 Years of AFMW. AFMW warmly invites MWIA colleagues to attend.

3.4 Climate & Health Advocacy

AFMW remains active in climate health advocacy:

• Signatory to Healthy Hospitals – Electrification of Public Hospitals, launching at Parliament House

• Continued support for CAHA (Climate and Health Alliance) ahead of COP Turkey 2026, where Australia leads negotiations

• Joining the new Women’s Climate and Gender Equality Hub, an Australian initiative for coordinated advocacy

3.5 AHPRA Correspondence

AFMW has written to AHPRA seeking clarification on its adoption of a framework defining antisemitism, expressing concern that it may inadvertently limit doctors’ rights to free speech and lawful advocacy.

4. State & Territory Contributions

4.1 Australian Capital Territory (MWS ACT)

4.1.1 Charity Dinner 2026: A Celebration of Culture and Community

The MWS ACT Charity Dinner, held on 19 June 2026 at the Royal Canberra Golf Club, celebrated cultural diversity and strengthened community ties across the medical profession.

Highlights

• Guests wore attire reflecting their cultural heritage

• Interactive cultural quiz with lively table competition

• Silent auction featuring handcrafted items, hampers, and cultural pieces

• Popular cake auction with culturally inspired cakes

• Medical students acknowledged for their energy, professionalism, and creativity

Impact

Funds raised support four international charities partnered with MWS ACT, reinforcing the Society’s commitment to uplifting women and communities globally.

4.2 Victoria (VMWS)

4.2.1 Professional Development

Prescribing Parenthood — 16 June 2026

An online event exploring fertility, parenting, and career navigation for medical women. Speakers represented multiple specialties, including the AMA. Sponsored by eMedici and Cutcher & Neale, who provided prizes for attendees.

Upcoming Events

• Gendered Health Research Forum — Sep/Oct 2026

• Ask Me Anything — Nov 2026

• CV Advice Evening — 2027

4.2.2 Cultural & Historical Advancement

VMWS is collaborating with Essential Theatre on the Constance Stone Play, celebrating Australia’s first female doctor. The Constance Stone Fundraising Night has received national promotion through AFMW. This initiative strengthens MWIA’s global work in documenting women’s contributions to medicine.

4.2.3 Flexible Training & Workforce Equity

VMWS continues to champion flexible training through the Jobshare Database.

These are actively promoted through VMWS social media channels.

4.2.4 Mentorship & Leadership Development

The VMWS Mentorship Program fosters intergenerational connection and leadership development.

5. Closing Summary

AFMW continues to demonstrate strong leadership across governance reform, advocacy, climate health action, and support for medical women. State and territory organisations remain highly active, delivering impactful events, mentorship programs, cultural initiatives, and flexible training advocacy.

AFMW looks forward to continuing its close collaboration with MWIA and contributing to the success of the 2027 MWIA Western Pacific Regional Conference in Melbourne, marking 100 years of AFMW.