Diversity of Our Region
If you don’t have a lens that’s been trained to look at how various forms of discrimination come together, you’re unlikely to develop a set of policies that will be as inclusive as they need to be.
Kimberlé Crenshaw
We must understand the diverse communities in our region and how these intersect and impact on the wellbeing and health of women in our region. Understanding intersectionality is vital if primary prevention practitioners are going to improve the social determinants of health.
Much of the data informing intersectionality and diversity is recorded from one perspective rather than multiple perspectives. We therefore draw a picture of diversity and intersectional issues by viewing the data as a whole rather than silos.
Explore Our Diverse Communities
Disability
According to the ABS, in 2015, almost one in five people had a disability in Australia.
Within the SMR, the percentage of people living with a severe or profound disability varies across its municipalities.
Carers
Carers are defined as people who provide “unpaid assistance to a person with a disability, health condition, or due to old age” (ABS, 2018).
Across the SMR, significant numbers of individuals are carers.
Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander
In the latest ABS (2022) data release, Victoria had 66,000 people who identified as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.
This is 1% of Victoria's population.
Young People
Young people in the SMR are divided into 2 distinct age groups, 0-14 years and 15-25 years.
The 0-14 age group consistently exhibits higher percentages compared to the 15-25 age group for both males and females across all regions.
LGTBQIA+
Accurately measuring the number of people who are LGBTIQA+ in Australia is a significant gap in research.
This data is important because it informs our understanding of the needs of LGBTIQ people and the development of policy.
Single Parents
In Victoria, 15% of these people with children are single parents.
In the SMR region, the average amount of single parents was similar to the state average, at 15%. Frankston and Greater Dandenong were approximately 5% more than the state average.
Ethnicity
The SMR is an ethnically diverse region.
Greater Dandenong, Glen Eira and Casey have the greatest proportions of overseas born communities. Many of these residents come from Asian communities.
Socio-Economic
The SMR consists of contrasting socio-economic statuses.
At one end of the spectrum, Greater Dandenong is one of the most disadvantaged areas in Victoria where as Bayside is one of the most advantaged.
Homelessness
Homelessness is a significant issue within the SMR.
Victorians aged under 35 years make up the majority of those experiencing homelessness, but older women are a fast growing cohort.