Smiling Mind and the Sisterhood Foundation are joining forces to create a brighter future for Australia’s women and girls, breaking down barriers to support to respond to their unique mental health needs.
Together we’re delivering innovative, accessible tools to build lifelong mental fitness as part of a long-term commitment to reach 2 million women and girls and create generational change in mental health.
Women and girls in Australia face unique and often overlooked mental health challenges, and recent research reveals girls aged 5-12 increasingly struggling with anxiety, low self-esteem and social withdrawal. Women are quietly carrying the weight of anxiety, depression, trauma and exhaustion while juggling the demands of work, care, motherhood and health without access to the early support they need.
The September 2025 report from the Sisterhood Foundation and Monash University explores the silent health issues affecting women and girls in Australia.
Research shows that just like physical fitness, we can build mental fitness to support our wellbeing.* The Women and Girls Mental Fitness Hub brings together practical, evidence-informed tools to support the real challenges women and girls face every day.
Guided pathways, short activities and mental fitness practices are uniquely tailored to proactively build skills for lifelong mental fitness. Whether you’re an adult navigating the mental load of caregiving or looking to support younger girls with enhanced mental wellbeing, the hub is designed to make it easier to build lifelong mental fitness, before things reach breaking point.
To access the hub, sign up for the free Smiling Mind App. While informed by research into the experiences of women and girls, the content is inclusive and designed to support anyone, regardless of gender identity.
*State of Mind 2024: Exploring the Mental Wellbeing of Australian Children and their Parents and Caregivers
The latest research shows women carry a disproportionate share of unpaid caregiving work², a load that’s significantly affecting their mental and physical health. Smiling Mind’s 2024 State of Mind Report found that 85% of parents and caregivers are experiencing signs of stress, anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges. Nearly three in four (72%) feel overwhelmed every week, and 1 in 4 feel overwhelmed every single day.
We also know that parental mental health is closely linked to children’s wellbeing, and supporting the mental fitness of parents, particularly mums and primary caregivers, is one of the most meaningful ways we can support children, families and future generations.
Our targeted, easy-to-use programs in the free Smiling Mind App address key challenges like stress, burnout, anxiety, confidence and social connection, helping women and girls build mental fitness and wellbeing at their own pace. Explore accessible mental fitness programs designed to meet parents’ unique needs before things reach breaking point.
²Ervin et al., 2023
Support for Parents
Our printable flyer is designed to let parents and caregivers know that support is available to meet their unique needs. Perfect for waiting rooms, noticeboards, community centres, staff rooms or parent groups.
Share your Story
Your story can inspire someone else. Get in touch to help build awareness of our mission of lifelong mental fitness.
IIt’s time to break down barriers to mental health support for women and girls.
Women and girls face unique and often overlooked mental health challenges, and they’re happening earlier and earlier. Parents are stressed and overwhelmed, and girls are increasingly struggling with anxiety and low self-esteem.
Together with the Sisterhood Foundation, Smiling Mind is empowering women and girls to not just survive, but to thrive.
The Women and Girls Mental Fitness Hub in the free Smiling Mind App brings together practical, evidence-informed tools to support the real challenges women and girls face every day.
Whether you're an adult navigating the mental load of caregiving or looking to support younger girls with enhanced mental wellbeing, the hub is designed to make it easier to build lifelong mental fitness.
Explore the hub in the free Smiling Mind App and help spread the word at [smilingmind.com.au/womens-mental-health]
#WomensMentalHealth #MentalFitness
This is the first step in a long-term commitment to better support the mental health of women and girls across Australia. In partnership with the Sisterhood Foundation, we’re creating accessible tools that respond to real needs and empower women and girls to proactively build the skills to be and feel their best — aiming to reach 2 million Australians, to create generational change in mental health.
Explore the story behind the partnership and what’s still to come.
