We are excited to establish the inaugural Casey-Cardinia High Schools Women’s Health Prize. This competition is open to all high school students in the City of Casey and Cardinia Shire Council in Victoria, Australia. The goal of the prize is to promote thought-provoking conversation in local adolescents about the health and wellbeing issues that affect women.
Judging Panel:
- Dr Nisha Khot, President-elect of the Royal Australian & New Zealand College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists
- Cr Michelle Crowther, Counsellor (and Women’s Health Physiotherapist), City of Casey
- Dr Kiran Atmuri, Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, Berwick
What’s involved?
The subject matter is to be on a women’s health issue from the point of view of high school students; we want to hear your unique perspectives as a young person. We want to live a story through your lens. “Women’s health” is a broad term that encompasses physical, mental and emotional wellbeing of women. The term is not limited to physical health (puberty, period health and so on) but also important topics like gender inequity, violence and towards women, sexism, mental health and gender identity.
Some examples of broad women’s health topics are listed below (this is not an exhaustive list):
- Barriers to students to talk about women’s health issues
- Period health issues and impact on lives
- Impact of social media and women’s health and wellbeing
- Gender inequity and how it impacts young women
- Access to contraception, unplanned pregnancy and abortion care
- Mental health in young women
- Body image in young women
- Trauma and sexual abuse and how it impacts young women
Once you choose a broad women’s health topic, try to focus on a particular area within that topic.
What’s the task?
There will be two streams available for entry allowing all to be involved:
- Written essay
- Creative arts
Entering a written essay in this competition can build knowledge and test skills in writing. It also gives students the chance to have their work assessed by experts. The essay is to be up to 1500 words in length in the English language. It must be an original essay that you have written yourself and never published before. You can use any style (e.g. personal, informative, analytical, imaginative like interviews or letters, instructional, argumentative). Attribute any relevant sources accurately. All pieces will be checked with an online plagiarism checker.
The creative arts path encourages students to utilise their skills and vision to produce an arts piece of their choice on a women’s health matter. Examples of creative arts pieces include physical medium (paintings, sculpture, drawings) or digital (digital art, social media videos, short film etc).
How do I enter?
Students can enter as individuals or groups with no limitation on number in the group. Students can enter both streams if they wish. Register by clicking here and completing the online form.
Entrants under the age of 18 at the entry closing date must obtain the consent of a parent/legal guardian and provide these details in the registration form.
Key dates:
Please find below the key dates for entry in 2025:
- Registration opens: 1 July, 2025
- Registration deadline: 30 September, 2025. (Timeline extended) (Registration is required by this date for subsequent submission.)
- Submissions open: 30 September, 2025. (Timeline extended)
- Submission deadline: 30 October, 2025.
- Notification of short-list: 1, November, 2025.
- Notifications of award recipients: 1 December, 2025.
What’s the end prize?
The following is up for grabs:
- Written essay: $1500.
- Creative arts: $1500.
All award recipients will have certificates presented at their high school. All award recipients will have the opportunity to have short social media interviews about their work. The winning written essay will be shared online. The winning and all shortlisted creative arts will be displayed at a local venue as part of an exhibition and entrants will be invited to attend.
How do I submit my work?
Submission of essays are to be e-mailed to: reception@drkiranatmuri.com.au. Please submit documents as Word Documents.
Submission of physical and larger digital media (uploaded to USB) can be delivered in-person to Bemersyde House, 18 Bemersyde Drive, Berwick.
Any questions?
Please feel free to e-mail reception@drkiranatmuri.com.au if you have any questions. Good luck!