Advocacy & Research

Advocacy

SHV champions universal access to SRH services and education by (1) advocating for reforms in policy, legislation and funding, (2) modelling evidence-based best practices in SRH care and education, and (3) reducing stigma associated with SRH through health promotion and education. SHV advocacy is founded on human rights-based understandings that:

• SRH is a human right, creating legal and financial obligations for state and national governments to ensure everyone can access timely, acceptable and affordable SRH care and education.
• Health policy and funding must prioritise the needs of those experiencing the strongest barriers to SRH care and education to enable equity of access and engagement.
• Key stakeholders are meaningfully involved in planning, co-design and enacting advocacy efforts.

Find out more about SHV’s Advocacy Plan for 2024-2028

Advocacy is crucial for achieving optimal sexual and reproductive health. It takes various forms, and there’s no fixed way to advocate for change. The complexities of altering systemic policies and facing entrenched values require careful consideration.

Find out more about SHV’s Advocacy Framework

SHV is a primary member of the Family Planning Alliance Australia (FPAA). We regularly collaborate with the FPAA and its members across Australia on national advocacy efforts.

SHV Advocacy submissions

SHV in the media

Research

SHV is committed to increasing SRH knowledge, capability and expertise through the conduct, dissemination and translation of research.

SHV undertake and support high-quality multidisciplinary research that contributes to the evidence base for safe, effective and inclusive SRH clinical services, education, training and health promotion. Our research is conducted ethically with participants' rights, integrity and confidentiality safeguarded. We conduct research both independently and in collaboration with a range of partner organisations, including universities, clinical institutes and community-based organisations.

Find out more about our research activities and partnerships

Publications and conferences

Some of the key areas in which SHV is interested to undertake further research:

1. Relationships and Sexuality Education in school and community settings
2. Professional SRH clinical training and education
3. Health Promotion
4. Best practice SRH clinical care
5. SRH service delivery models

SHV offers opportunities for undergraduate and postgraduate student research and other projects.

This includes:

• Co-supervision of Honours, Masters and PhD research projects
• Work-based learning projects, such as program evaluations and desktop research

Find out more about our past and current student projects.

Contact Us

Use the details below to contact us about opportunities for joint advocacy, research collaboration, student research co-supervision, or student internships/placements.

Dr Cat Kirby, Research, Evaluation and Policy Manager
M: 0434 879 381
E: [email protected]
Office reception: 03 9257 0100