This issues paper argues that the continued use of gender stereotypes and increasing reliance on images that sexualise and objectify women in advertisements undermines efforts to promote gender equality in Australia. The studies cited in this paper demonstrate that there is a clear business case for change.

Motherhood is commonly viewed by contemporary society as a time of great joy, when ‘good mothers’ effortlessly bond with their newborns and adapt to their new role with ease. However, for many women and their partners, pregnancy, birth and early parenting do not meet these expectations.

The aim of this paper is to look at young women's health and wellbeing between the ages of 10 and 20. We examine young women's experience of six interrelated priority health areas: physical health, sexual and reproductive health, body image, relationships, mental health and social inclusion.