Celebrate Change
In 2025, WA Sexual Health Week will take place from Sunday, February 9, to Saturday, February 15. SHW is a statewide celebration that aims raise awareness of and shine a spotlight on sexual health.
This year’s theme, ‘Celebrate Change,’ reflects the progress made in ending sexual health-related stigma, improving access to vital services, and addressing systemic issues that contribute to inequities and discrimination. It also highlights the success of community-led responses in the prevention and management of HIV and other STIs.
Coinciding with WAAC’s 40th anniversary year, the theme honours four decades of activism, peer support, education, and the tireless efforts of community champions who have driven transformative change in WA’s HIV response.
Advocacy has been a powerful force in driving this social change, achieving:
- Social awareness: shifting HIV and AIDS from a marginalised issue to a recognised public health issue.
- Stigma reduction: challenging discrimination and misinformation through public campaigns, education, protests, and activism in the arts.
- Policy and political support: continued resourcing, improved healthcare policies, and accelerated treatment approvals.
- Empowered communities: strengthening solidarity among groups affected by HIV and sexual health issues, including LGBT+ people, culturally and linguistically diverse (CaLD) people, young people, people who use drugs and sex workers.
This milestone year is a time to reflect on past achievements and inspire ongoing action for an inclusive, healthy and connected future.
Examples of past projects include:
- Outreach testing and interactive activities at a community BBQ.
- Condom package design competition with high school students.
- Education sessions delivered at a local high school.
- Film screening of Bohemian Rhapsody, and HIV education activities.
Read more in this blog post detailing the 2024 grant round recipient projects: https://www.waac.com.au/learn/articles/sexual-health-week-2024/
All questions can be directed to Karina at [email protected].
Please access the Application Package to apply for WAAC’s Sexual Health Week Grant Program.
Applications close 24 January, 2025.