Who’s Your Token Modern Rural Woman?

Emily Neville

Abstract

Twenty-nine percent of the Australian population live in regional, rural and remote areas and of this 30.1% are female (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2016, 2017). Australian rural women are not a homogenous group and they all have different needs regarding health services. Access to a regular general practitioner, specialist care, adequate mental health services and technology are all factors that have been identified as contributory to the disparity in health outcomes between metropolitan and rural and remote areas (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2008, 2016). It is also well known that uptake of currently available services is poorer in regional and remote areas, especially for Indigenous Australians, and that a specific approach to the health care system in these areas is needed (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2008). 

The aim of this interactive poster is to demonstrate the diversity of modern Australian rural women and the common barriers to appropriate health care they encounter. These women face any number and combination of barriers to health care. They may be Indigenous, non-Indigenous, a refugee, live in the local community or on a farm. No matter their circumstances they care about the future of health care for their community, family and themselves. 

After engaging with this poster, health workers from all disciplines and other people interested in rural health will be able to use the content to inform their approach to the provision of rural Women’s health care.

The inspiration for the poster design came from the previous work of emerging graphic designer, Joy Li. Together we have created a character quiz that raises awareness in a light hearted, characteristically Australian way. 

All rural women and girls have the right to appropriate health care.