A fierce and unrelenting champion for women, former Minister and Chair of Women’s Health Victoria (WHV), The Hon Candy Broad was formally inducted into the Victorian Honour Roll of Women at a ceremony in Melbourne last night.
Current WHV Chair Sandy Forbes celebrated Candy’s induction, and said she had driven vital work to improve the lives of women and girls in Victoria and beyond.
“Candy Broad has been a fearless advocate for women and girls for more than 30 years and we are thrilled that she has received this formal recognition for her work,” Ms Forbes said.
“In her eight years on the board of WHV, including two years as Chair, she continued her visionary work as a leader in statewide women’s health policy and health promotion, including in sexual and reproductive health, gender equality, mental health and more support for women with cancer.
“However, Candy’s greatest legacy may be our legal right to make our own decisions about our reproductive lives.
“Her tabling of a private members bill for abortion law reform in 2007, which was an act of great courage and sacrifice, put decriminalisation of abortion squarely on the Victorian legislative reform agenda.
“In doing so, Candy effectively changed the discussion on decriminalising abortion in Victoria from ‘if’ to ‘how’,and turned the conversation from criminalisation to one of safe healthcare,” she said.
WHV Chief Executive Officer Sally Hasler said Candy Broad’s determination to improve the health and wellbeing of all people, and especially women and girls, is an inspiration to everyone who continues the fight today.
“Candy was a key driver in the establishment of 1800 My Options, Victoria’s first phoneline and information service for women on contraception, abortion and sexual
health – a service which has helped more than 40,000 people and now receives more than 700 calls per month,” Ms Hasler said.
“She has continued to be active in the advancement and protection of women’s sexual and reproductive rights through her ongoing membership of the Abortion and Contraception Working Group.
“The WHV-led Abortion and Contraception Working Group is a coalition of service providers, academics and policy advocates working together to improve and safeguard abortion access in Victoria and it benefits enormously from Candy’s expertise and wisdom.
“It’s an honour to continue her work to improve the health and wellbeing of women and girls in Victoria, and we know that this work to improve equity in healthcare improves the lives of all Victorians.
“On behalf of everyone at WHV – from the board, staff, volunteers, donors and supporters – we thank Candy for her work, and congratulate her on her induction into the Victorian Honour Roll of Women,” Ms Hasler said.
For more information about the Victorian Honour Roll for Women, please visit Victorian Honour Roll of Women Program | vic.gov.au
For more information about 1800 My Options, please visit 1800 My Options | Sexual and Reproductive Health Services
