In this fix-it episode of Rage Against the Vagine, host Em Rusciano takes aim at the systems that were never built with women and AFAB people in mind, and asks how do we actually fix them. From healthcare to workplaces, research to education, Em unpacks the structural failures that keep perimenopause invisible and undervalued.

Alongside voices from the Rage Committee and experts across medicine and advocacy, Em sits down with Senator Katy Gallagher, Australia’s Minister for Women, Government Services, Finance and Public Service, to explore how government policy is starting to shift. 

This episode arms listeners with a practical toolkit of knowledge, validation, and ways to take action - from pushing for better medical care and workplace reform to amplifying research and changing community attitudes.

It’s a rally cry for anyone who refuses to stay silent, and a reminder that fixing the f*cking systems starts with all of us.

The Voices You’ll Hear  

Senator Katy Gallagher | Minister for Women, Minister for Government Services, Minister for Finance, Minister for the Public Service @senkatyg

Dr Kelly Teagle | GP, Founder and Principal Clinician of WellFemme, @wellfemme

Dr Yvonne McCartney | GP and Co-Founder Menopause Health Geelong, @menopause_health_geelong

Dr Nicole Higgins | Practice Principal (Health on Central, Mackay), GP and former President of  RACGP

Dr Alecia Macrow | GP, Founder Thrive Family Practice & Endo Untangled Podcast, @dr_alecia_macrow @thrive_family_practice @endo_untangled

Wil Stracke | Assistant Secretary of Victorian Trades Hall Council, @wilstracke

Grace Molloy | Registered Nurse and Co-Founder of Menopause Friendly Australia, @gracecmolloy  @menopausefriendly_au

Karni Liddell | Disability Advocate, Inclusive Employment Leader, Social Worker & Paralympian, @karniliddell

Dr Kerryn Drysdale | Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW

Professor Odette Best | Pro Vice-Chancellor (First Nations Strategy), University of Southern Queensland

A/Prof Caroline Gurvich | Clinical Neuropsychologist, Associate Professor (Research), HER Centre Australia and Head of Cognition and Hormones Group, Monash University, @hercentreaustralia  

Dr Fatima Kahn | Woman's Health Doctor & Hormone Expert, @drfatimakhan_ 

Leanne Mulheron | Registered Psychologist, Founder Affinity Psychology, @affinity_psychology 

Resources, References & Rabbit Holes 

Voice Your Support for New Menopause Medications on the PBS: Take Action 

Medicare Benefits Schedule: Menopause and Perimenopause Health Assessment Services

Wil Stracke's online kit | It’s For Every Body

Menopause Friendly Australia | Resources

HER Centre: Monash University’s centre dedicated to researching and advancing women’s mental health.

Cognition and Hormones Research

Em’s Peri Suggestions Box: Listeners can email their ideas for new initiatives or programs related to perimenopause to hello@downthehillstudios.com 

Reminder

We know this time of life can sometimes feel overwhelming - but remember, help is always out there. If it’s feeling like too much, please reach out for support

Lifeline | 13 11 14 | Text 0477 13 11 14 (24/7) | lifeline.org.au 

13 YARN | 13 92 76 | 13yarn.org.au Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service available 24/7

Suicide Call Back Service | 1300 659 467 | suicidecallbackservice.org.au 

Beyond Blue | 1300 224 636 | beyondblue.org.au/forums 

StandBy Support After Suicide | 1300 727 247

QLife | 1800 184 527 | qlife.org.au | LGBTIQ+ service available 3pm – midnight

NEXT: Postscript Episode - drops Monday 29 September 

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