The Australian Government is continuing its national program to provide health information and support to migrant and refugee women in their own languages.
Through a $10.8 million investment over 2 years, the Multicultural Centre for Women's Health will continue leading the Health in My Language Program in partnership with 7 organisations across the country.
Migrant and refugee women can face significant barriers to accessing health information and services, including language differences, lower health literacy and challenges navigating an unfamiliar healthcare system.
The Health in My Language Program helps address these barriers by training and supporting bilingual health educators to deliver free, culturally safe health education sessions in participants' preferred language.
Using shared language, evidence-based and up-to-date knowledge, lived experience and strong community connections, educators support women to navigate services and make informed decisions about their health and wellbeing.
The sessions provide a safe and supportive environment where women can ask questions, share experiences and build confidence in managing their own health and the health of their families.
Since commencing in 2022, the Government has invested around $35 million in the program. More than 8,000 people from migrant and refugee communities across every state and territory have participated in sessions delivered in more than 30 different languages.
The investment will continue to address a critical gap in culturally responsive health information and help ensure more women have the information, support and confidence to access services they need.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Dr Anne Aly:
"Language should never be a barrier to accessing important health information, support and services.
"This program ensures migrant and refugee women can receive trusted, culturally appropriate information in a language they understand.
"By empowering women with knowledge and confidence, the Health in My Language Program is strengthening the health and wellbeing of individuals, families and communities across Australia."
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister White:
"Good health starts with having information that is accessible, relevant and delivered in a way that resonates with people's experience.
"What makes this program so effective is that it is delivered by trusted bilingual health educators who understand the communities they work with and create safe spaces for women to ask questions, share experiences and learn from one another.
"The evaluation shows these sessions are making a real difference. Women are building confidence, better understanding their health needs and feeling more empowered to navigate the healthcare system.
"When women feel informed and supported, the benefits extend far beyond the individual to families. and communities and future generations."
Quotes attributable to case studies of women attending Health in My Language sessions:
Case study 1: "Before I started the HIML sessions, I was anxious and overwhelmed whenever I thought about using the healthcare system. I had never attended any health education programs before and due to language barriers… I had no idea how to ask for help or navigate the health system… It left me feeling unsure, isolated, and disconnected from taking care of my health. Today, I feel much more comfortable and confident when using health services. The knowledge I gained gave me the courage to overcome my past hesitations and encouraged me to go to the clinic"
Case study 2: "About a year ago, I attended a Health in My Language session about women's health and cancer awareness. During that session, information about stomach and bowel cancer especially stayed with me. At the time, I remember feeling worried because some of the symptoms discussed sounded familiar to me…After the session ended, I approached the health educator privately and shared my concerns. For the first time, I openly spoke about the symptoms that had been worrying me for a long time. The educator listened carefully, without judgment, and helped me book an appointment with a GP. At the medical appointment, I explained my symptoms and concerns. Even though routine screening was not yet recommended for my age, the doctor decided to organise further medical investigations because of the symptoms I described. After completing the tests, doctors identified changes that required medical attention and early treatment. I was told that addressing the issue early helped prevent more serious complications and possible long-term consequences."
