Older Women’s Network

The Older Women's Network (OWN) of Western Australia is an important community based organisation promoting the rights, well being and dignity of older women to each other, the wider community and government.

OWN seeks to provide enrichment, mutual support and friendship amongst older women, to promote a positive image of older women as well as address relevant issues of importance to older women such as health, education, transport, housing and all the basic living essentials. The group recognises the existing skills possessed by older women such as lobbying, research and advocacy and utilises them to achieve their goals.

Advocacy is an important part of OWN with special focus groups where older women are asked about their concerns and encouraged to speak out about local and state issues. OWN addresses issues of discrimination against older women and promote discussion and action about ageism, sexism, feminism and racism.

OWN also focuses on the lighter side as well with theatre and music groups where women from all walks of life can sing, dance, act, write or work behind the scenes. The shows are not only great fun but are a way for women to socialize with like minded people.

In addition to the services offered by OWN, guest speakers are regularly invited to come and talk about a whole range of topics from the serious and topical, to things that will stir the imagination. OWN provides and disseminates information for and about older women.

Most importantly, OWN celebrates age and ageing!

The Older Women’s Network has branches located in Northbridge, Gosnells, Forest Lake and a theatre group located in Thornlie. Each group run their own activities, meetings and projects so get in touch with your local branch to see what is happening near you.

For general enquiries contact Ruth Kershaw on (08) 9493 2734 or log on to the website at www.own.org.au

For more information on the OWN group run through Women’s Health Services in Northbridge, contact Betty on (08) 9445 1157