Latest news with #RuralWomenNewZealand
Scoop
a day ago
- Health
- Scoop
HRT Patches Decision Important For Rural Women
Pharmac's decision to fund both Estradiol TDP Mylan and Estradot hormone replacement (HRT) patches is an important outcome for rural women, says Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ). 'This is a meaningful decision for women, including many in rural areas, concerned about losing access to the menopause treatment that works best for them,' says National President Sandra Matthews. 'Every woman's experience of menopause is different. The initial decision to fund only one brand of patches left many women feeling unsupported and ignored. It is encouraging to see Pharmac listening to public feedback and responding with a more inclusive approach that restores choice to women managing menopause.' It is slightly disappointing, however that due to ongoing supply constraints, Pharmac has not been able to extend dispensing quantities beyond monthly scripts. 'For rural women living far from pharmacies, accessing the patches they need monthly places a frequent burden on their time and travel,' says Matthews. 'We encourage Pharmac to keep working with suppliers to address these issues and improve equity of access for those in more remote parts of the country.'
Scoop
24-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
"Budget Sidelines Women's Economic Contribution" - BPW NZ President Janet Gibb
Budget 2025 has some support for businesses and additional funding for Māori Wardens, Māori Women's Welfare League and Rural Women New Zealand however, it does not empower women, says the New Zealand Federation of Business and Professional Women (BPW NZ). "Our assessment of Budget 2025 is that this government does not listen to, nor care to address, the systemic barriers and challenges women face," says President Janet Gibb "There is no evidence that women's experiences, needs or realities have been considered in the budget. The gender pay gap costs the New Zealand economy an estimated $7.6 billion per year, or 5% of total wages and salaries. Despite this, the government has moved to devastate the pay equity process, resulting in the cancellation of 33 active claims-including women-dominated sectors like education, health, and social services. "This isn't fiscal responsibility-it's economic negligence," says Gibb. "Closing the gender pay gap would inject billions into the economy for the families that desperately need it." Women also lose out under the KiwiSaver changes because it leads to more reliance on individual retirement savings which compounds the systemic disadvantage women face leading to much lower KiwiSaver funds at retirement. In stark contrast, Australia's 2025 Women's Budget Statement outlines concrete actions to address gender-based violence, unpaid and paid care, economic security, women's health, and leadership. "It is unacceptable in 2025 that no thought is given to the impact of this budget on New Zealand women not even a look through a gender lens." The establishment of a new $190 million Social Investment Fund further demonstrates the gap in thinking. "The Cabinet paper notes the fund is for 'vulnerable New Zealanders with highly complex social issues'-yet completely ignores the gender dimension of vulnerability." "This Budget is a missed opportunity to advance gender equality - it is blind to the real and growing challenges women face. New Zealand women deserve better."
Scoop
19-05-2025
- Health
- Scoop
Investment In Rural Health Welcome But Need Remains High
Rural Women New Zealand has welcomed the Government's announcement of new and improved urgent and after-hours healthcare for rural communities but says this must be the start of a commitment to improve rural access to health services. Sandra Matthews, National President of Rural Women New Zealand, says the investment recognises some of the current issues faced by rural communities, but a sustained effort is needed to address the challenges rural people face in accessing their healthcare needs. 'Rural communities should not be disadvantaged in our health system. These new services, including on-call clinicians, access to basic diagnostics, and timely access to medicines, are a promising step. We welcome the inclusion of trials that will be developed in partnership with rural providers, who know best how to respond to the needs of rural communities.' 'However, real equity will only be achieved when every rural New Zealander can access quality healthcare, no matter their location,' says Matthews. Rural Women New Zealand has long called for universal access to high-quality primary and urgent care in rural communities. The Government's announcement includes extended after-hours and 24/7 on-call clinical support, as well as improved access to diagnostic services and medicines. The Government claims that this announcement will ensure that 98 percent of New Zealanders will be able to access urgent and after-hours healthcare within an hour's drive from home. 'We welcome this commitment but achieving it will be a significant challenge, particularly when it comes to ensuring the sustainability of our rural health workforce,' says Matthews. 'We continue to hear from rural women about long travel times to access basic healthcare, including effective care for mothers and babies, difficulty getting prescriptions filled after hours, and the stress of accessing diagnosis services. These are fixable problems but require sustained investment and planning.' 'We commend the Government for listening to our rural communities, but more will need to be done to ensure rural people have the same access to healthcare as other New Zealanders. Geographical equity in healthcare coverage must remain the overall goal.'
