A team of public health academics at Western Sydney University (WSU) received funding to co-design a women’s health program for and with Muslim women.
The grant is aptly titled WARDA (Arabic, rose) for Women’s Awareness in ReproDuctive ‘Aafiya. The word “Aafiya” captures the essence of complete health and wellbeing as understood by Muslims – encompassing physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual dimensions.
The idea for WARDA stems from a desire to co-design a holistic health-promotion program. Dr Sadia Hossain, Lead Investigator of the grant and a Lecturer in Public Health at WSU is keen to combine what she learnt during her own reproductive health journey, voluntary work in the community and from her research work with and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s health.
She explains, “People often think that health promotion involves giving one lecture, and expect that lecture alone to make long-lasting health improvements. But, in public health, we know about social determinants of health. We know that long lasting change requires holistic approaches involving the entire community and environment. We already know there is a significant gap in women’s health services that are specifically tailored to Muslim women’s needs. The co-designed approach will authentically engage women in the communities right from the start”.
The grant activity will be carried out in partnership with Australian Islamic Medical Association (AIMA) and other community organisations. A/Prof Dr Habib Bhurawala, National Vice President of AIMA said, “The WARDA project empowers Muslim women by addressing their unique health needs, fostering holistic wellbeing and creating safe spaces for meaningful engagement”.
WSU researcher team includes Dr Sadia Hossain, A/Prof Rakime Elmir, the Dean of Health Science Prof Sarah Lewis and Prof Freya MacMillan. WSU academics and AIMA’s Muslim health professionals will provide in-kind support through their knowledge and expertise.
The grant funding received by WSU from NSW Government’s Investing in Women 2023-2024 will be utilised for capacity building of women in the community by creating employment opportunities, performing codesign workshops, developing WARDA modules, and delivering the modules (both online and in-person).
A recorded version of the program and other resources created during the process will be available for Muslim women beyond the grant period for ongoing benefit.
Dr Hossain highlights the cruciality of a Muslim women’s health program in the current climate of Islamophobia explaining that in published literature, Islamophobia has been linked to reduced access to preventative healthcare and an increased preterm birth rate in Muslim women.
By establishing safe and dedicated spaces for Muslim women to access vital resources, she hopes any trajectory towards long term harm in Muslim women’s health can be stopped and reversed.
Currently in its beginning phases, a WARDA Advisory Committee is being set up consisting of Muslim women in the community.
WARDA is also inviting the community to participate in a logo design competition for a chance to win a gift card. Mosque communities, organisations and Muslim female health professionals keen to be involved in this work are encouraged to get in touch through wardansw@westernsydney.edu.au
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