Women’s health: a state of emotional, social, cultural, spiritual and physical well-being, determined by the social, political and economic context of women’s lives, as well as by biology. It is defined by, and recognizes the validity of, women’s perceptions and life experiences of health and illness, the values and knowledge of women, and the role of women both as users and as providers of health care.

The overriding goal of the Ontario Women’s Health Council (OWHC) is to improve the health of all Ontario women. To achieve this goal, the OWHC works to ensure that Ontario women have access to appropriate health care when, where and how they need it. The council also champions the accountability of society and the health-care system for the health of Ontario women, and is building Ontario’s research capacity in women’s health.

The OWHC keeps women’s health on the government’s agenda, and ensures that women’s health needs are taken into consideration in any deliberations concerning renewal and change in the health-care system.

The primary focus of this website is to inform and educate health-care professionals, researchers, academics, other stakeholders, the media and the public about the activities and goals of the OWHC. For consumer information regarding specific health issues, please visit www.healthyontario.com or www.womenshealthmatters.ca.