Addressing issues like gender inequality requires long-term, coordinated, multi-faceted action delivered by many different changemakers across all levels of society. This can make it difficult to measure progress and impact, especially when working in short-term funding cycles.

In 2023, we undertook a network-wide collective impact evaluation to explore our sector’s impact over the last four decades. Small change, big impact: Women’s Health Services Network collective impact report captures the women’s health sector role, reach and impact in advancing Victorian women’s health and equality.

The report:

• Describes the unique role of the women’s health sector in Victoria’s health system.

• Illustrates the role of health promotion and primary prevention within the health system in reducing demand on clinical and response services and keeping Victorians healthier and safer.

• Showcases how the sector’s work drives a more equitable Victorian health system.

• Draws together case studies and testimonials that highlight how the sector leads best practice evidence-based partnerships and projects to deliver effective and economically efficient activities across every region of the state.

• Demonstrates the significant value investing in the sector’s people, plans and systems brings to the health and wellbeing of Victorians.