WA Senior Australian of the Year Kath Mazzella is calling on the community to support her Undies for Better Understanding campaign to raise awareness of gynaecological issues.
The women's health advocate is keen to hear from WA community and corporate groups interested in booking her to host fun and informative workshops designed to break down the stigma and silence surrounding health issues such as endometriosis, polycystic ovaries, prolapse and menopause.
Kath is motivated by her own experience of being among the one in 12 women diagnosed every day in Australia with a gynaecological cancer.
"At my workshops I talk about how little I knew at the beginning and how the more we know the more we can help our mothers, sisters and daughters," she said.
"Decorating cardboard cut-out undies is a fun way to break the ice."
Kath supplies the cardboard cut-outs and lace and ribbons for decoration, and encourages participants to share their handiwork to help raise awareness.
She also encourages people to create their own cardboard cut-out designs, decorate and display them in their workplace, school or shopping centre, and share on her Facebook page #UndiesForBetterUnderstanding.
Volunteers across the country are needed to join the campaign and host local International Gynaecological Awareness Day (IGAD) events on September 10.
"Let's start the conversation," she said. "Grab some undies, decorate them and then place them up as a sign of solidarity and standing with other women.
"Let's bring together the community and the medical professionals to share our stories and celebrate together. Change has to come and it starts with us."
