With modern figures showing some alarming results including that more than 51 per cent of women in their 20s report that they have experienced sexual violence, while younger girls are increasingly attending emergency departments in mental distress or having self-harmed, as well as antidepressant increase, there is proving an even greater need for programs such as My Body My Choice.
Seeing that 15 to 24 years is noted as the most vulnerable years for health risks, poor mental health, body dissatisfaction, preconception health and lifelong health behaviours for young women, the My Body My Choice health promotion program is targeted at this age group.
This program is a Queensland-wide initiative that includes direct-delivery workshops and web-based resources.
The information is real-world applicable, having been co-designed with young people and sector experts, extensively covering four key topics: Navigating health systems, Mental health and wellbeing, Body image and the media, and consent and relationships.
Women’s Health and Equity Queensland community engagement coordinator Charlotte Dirou who works on the project with fellow dedicated colleagues Chrisny and Bianca said this program was designed for and by young people.
“The development process included broad consultation with the general public through surveys to discover some key gaps and areas of interest,” she said.
“After this, we ran co-design sessions with groups of young people, where they provided input into areas such as how these topics show up in their lives, how they currently get information, and how they best like to learn.
“We also had an advisory group of experts providing insight into current programs and emerging trends for young people.
“Our program is targeted at young people aged 12-24 and whilst it can be delivered to all genders, we designed it with young women in mind.
“This is because young women are one of the most at-risk populations in Australia today. “Gender inequality has seen this demographic suffering from some of the highest rates of violence, poor health, and mental health issues in recent years, with the rates continuing to rise.
“Our program is delivered through in-person workshops.
“Each topic will be one separate module, which is delivered in succession over a four-eight-week period. This format is used to build trust with the students and create a safe and comfortable environment for questions, conversation, and reflection.”
The program aims to provide participants with the tools they need to make informed decisions about their own body.
This is done through providing education on key topics, connecting participants to key experts, resources, and support, and engaging in interactive activities where the young people reflect, discuss, and collaborate on solutions for themselves.
“Rates of violence, poor health, and poor mental health rates have been rising for priority populations.
“We think it’s important to have a program that addresses all areas of a young person’s wellbeing that empowers them to make their own decisions.
“Young people are the experts in their own lives, and we think by giving them the tools to navigate different systems we can help them to thrive in their adult lives.
“This program is delivered by facilitators at Women’s Health and Equality Queensland. “Women’s Health and Equality Queensland are leaders in women’s health, gender equity and the primary prevention of violence in Queensland.
“Our program team are all passionate young women with expertise in public health and community development.
“We are also developing train-the-trainer opportunities which will hopefully be available in 2025.”
