Women’s Health Week, Australia’s largest annual event dedicated to the health and wellbeing of women, girls and gender-diverse people, will return from September 7 to 11, 2026, encouraging participants to take realistic, meaningful steps toward better health under this year’s theme, “do it anyway.”

Led by Jean Hailes for Women’s Health, the national initiative aims to create space for important conversations about health, reduce stigma and provide accessible, evidence-based information that can support informed health decisions across different stages of life. The 2026 program highlights the idea that caring for health does not always require dramatic change; small actions, taken in ways that fit everyday circumstances, can also contribute to overall wellbeing.

Throughout the five-day event, Women’s Health Week will explore different areas of wellbeing, including nutrition, movement, rest and sleep, mental wellbeing, and social connection. Participants will have access to practical information, expert insights and personal stories designed to address health challenges that may be influenced by changing life stages, competing responsibilities and individual circumstances.

For organisations working in mental health and psychological wellbeing, including MLA Psychology (https://www.mlapsychology.com/), the campaign also provides an opportunity to reinforce the importance of viewing health through a holistic lens. Mental wellbeing is closely connected to physical health, relationships, rest and an individual's ability to manage the pressures of everyday life. Supporting conversations around these areas can help encourage people to recognise when additional guidance or professional support may be beneficial.

The program begins with “To fuel,” examining practical nutrition habits, followed by “To move,” which challenges the perception that physical activity must be intense, structured or time-consuming to be beneficial. “To rest” will focus on the importance of sleep and the factors that can make rest difficult, including stress, anxiety, changing life stages, shift work and caring responsibilities.

Mental wellbeing will take centre stage during “To breathe,” highlighting the importance of recognising feelings of stress, overwhelm or disconnection and encouraging open conversations and appropriate support when needed. The final day, “To connect,” will explore the role of social connection, community and everyday relationships in supporting overall wellbeing.

Women’s Health Week also encourages workplaces, community organisations and individuals to host events and conversations that extend access to trusted health information. Registered hosts can access a free video series featuring health experts, practical advice and discussions aligned with the week’s daily themes.

The initiative builds on continued community engagement. During Women’s Health Week 2025, 12,451 women completed Jean Hailes’ Her Health Check, including 211 women who identified as First Nations women.

By bringing attention to both physical and psychological wellbeing, initiatives such as Women’s Health Week can help keep important health conversations active beyond the campaign itself and encourage women to take achievable steps toward caring for their wellbeing throughout the year.