Centre Profile
What is the Key Centre for Women's Health in Society?
The Key Centre for Women's Health in Society, since its foundation in 1988, has been at the forefront of thinking, researching, teaching and disseminating information about women's health. The vision for the Key Centre is that it will be the leading centre for research education and advocacy in women's health, gender and society in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region.
The Key Centre's work recognises that women's health is fundamental to the health and wellbeing of the general community. It aims to improve women's health by ensuring that a women's health perspective is incorporated into research, teaching, policy and practice in Australia and internationally.
In 1993 it was officially designated as the first World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Centre for Women's Health in the world. As the WHO Collaborating Centre on Women's Health (Asia and Pacific), part of the Key Centre's work plan is to assist in raising knowledge and research expertise in women's health in the Asia-Pacific region.
The Key Centre develops and delivers short courses to health workers and policy makers and assists in establishing research programs in the region. The Key Centre is located in the School of Population Health, in the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences at The University of Melbourne.
Purpose of Role of the Key Centre for Women's Health in Society
Teaching and Training Activities
The Key Centre's education and training program aims to expand the research, technical and policy capacities of national and international professionals and students in the field of women's health. Staff expertise is comprehensive allowing for participation in a range of academic and community programs, including short courses and workshops.
Research
The Key Centre's major research activities are in the areas of sexual and reproductive health; health and human rights; social inequalities; and mental health. The Key Centre has a cross disciplinary approach to research based on a social model of health. Key Centre staff actively collaborate with numerous local, national and international universities and organisations.
Community Activities
The Key Centre has a strong commitment to ensure that its research outcomes inform policy and practice and that they are communicated to relevant communities. It has created a Community Liaison Officer/Research Translation position to enhance this process.