Women’s Health Week 2026
Celebrating the voices of women in our community.
This year, ERICA Women’s Centre marked Women’s Health Week 2026 with a special social media campaign celebrating women’s experiences, sharing practical wellbeing information, and amplifying the voices of women within our community.
Women connected to ERICA generously shared their reflections, experiences and insights on health and wellbeing. Through a series of interviews, we explored the themes of this year’s Jean Hailes Women’s Health Week campaign, ‘Do it anyway’, and the daily topics of ‘To fuel’, ‘To move’, ‘To rest’, ‘To breathe’, and ‘To connect’.
The result was a week-long storytelling campaign featuring the perspectives of community members, clients, facilitators and staff. Through authentic conversations, we highlighted the many ways women care for their physical, emotional, mental and social wellbeing.
The stories shared throughout the week reminded us that there is no single path to better health. Every woman brings her own experiences, challenges and strengths, and each perspective added something meaningful to the conversation.
We are incredibly grateful to every woman who participated and entrusted us with her story. Their honesty, wisdom and generosity helped create a campaign that was meaningful, inspiring and deeply reflective of our wonderful community.
Continue reading for more information on the stories shared for each topic, and check out the full campaign on our social media accounts:
The week began with a conversation about nourishment in all its forms.
While food plays an important role in wellbeing, participants also spoke about the value of purpose, connection, community and self-care. For many women, feeling valued, supported and connected to others was just as nourishing as a healthy meal.
“We hear about food being good and bad, healthy and unhealthy, and actually that’s really quite a negative way of looking at food. A little bit of everything is good.”
Louise, Counsellor
“Feeling like for a moment that you have a purpose, or that you are accepted in a space. I see how people work together in our group, and it’s just lovely, and I think that really fuels them for the day.”
Susan Hauri, Craft Connections Facilitator
Movement means something different to everyone.
We started the second day of Women’s Health Week by celebrating one of ERICA’s most popular programs, our weekly Tai Chi classes, by speaking with participants about what inspired them to join and what keeps them coming back each week.
Women’s stories highlighted the physical, emotional, mental and social benefits of movement, whether through Tai Chi, running, walking, or creating something crafty.
These conversations reinforced an important message: movement doesn’t need to be intense or complicated to positively impact wellbeing.
“I love walking. It’s one of my favourite things to do. And if it can be through nature, bonus points. I feel like movement is key. If you’re full of anxiety, move your body.”
Community Member
Rest can often feel difficult to prioritise, particularly for women balancing multiple responsibilities.
Through our interviews, women reflected on the importance of slowing down, creating space to recharge, and giving themselves permission to rest without guilt.
Louise shared professional insights into the benefits of rest and recovery, while Susan spoke about the ways creativity, connection and mindful activities can offer moments of pause in busy lives.
Together, the stories highlighted that rest is not a luxury, but an important part of maintaining wellbeing.
The theme of breathing encouraged participants to think about finding calm in everyday life.
Louise discussed how simple breathing techniques can help manage stress, reduce overwhelm and improve clarity and focus. Community members shared their own practices for feeling grounded, including spending time in nature, walking, gardening and taking quiet moments to themselves.
Coinciding with R U OK? Day, this theme also sparked meaningful conversations about checking in with ourselves and each other, and remembering the importance of reaching out for support.
“Sometimes at the end of my walk, I’ll pick a place and just sit there for however long I feel like. Normally it’s by water or somewhere that’s really green… just to sit and take a moment to connect.”
Community Member
For the final daily theme, we finished strong with one of our favourite activities at ERICA – ‘To connect’.
Women spoke about the friendships, community networks and support systems that help them navigate life’s challenges. Whether through organised groups, trusted relationships or simple everyday interactions, connection was consistently identified as a powerful contributor to wellbeing.
Louise highlighted the importance of building supportive relationships and seeking help when needed, while Susan reflected on the value of safe spaces where women can share experiences and learn from one another.
Participants from our Tai Chi program also shared how the friendships formed through the group have become an important source of support and wellbeing.
“I think you have to learn to be vulnerable with trusted people. When you have people in your life that you can open up to and connect with in that way, that’s crucial.”
Community Member
To conclude the week, participants reflected on the overarching theme ‘Do it anyway’.
Women shared stories of courage, resilience and taking small but meaningful steps forward, even when faced with uncertainty, fear or self-doubt.
Their reflections were a powerful reminder that wellbeing is not about perfection. Sometimes it begins with taking one small step, trying something new, asking for help, attending a group, prioritising self-care, or simply giving ourselves permission to start.
At ERICA, we are proud to support women at every stage of their wellbeing journey. Whatever that journey looks like for you, we want you to know that you don’t have to navigate it alone.
Thank you to everyone who participated in our Women’s Health Week campaign and helped bring these important conversations to life.
ERICA Women's Centre 