Young women are being missed in suicide prevention – how can we change this?

Held on the sidelines of the Women Deliver Conference, this breakfast event explores why suicide prevention efforts continue to overlook young women — and how applying a gender‑based lens can strengthen prevention for women and gender‑diverse young people.

Suicidal behaviour in women and girls is shaped by social, cultural and structural factors that are often different from those affecting men. These include gender‑based violence, unequal power relations, gendered social expectations and barriers to accessing support. Risk is further heightened for some groups due to intersecting forms of discrimination, marginalisation and historical trauma.

Despite this, suicide prevention approaches frequently remain gender‑neutral, limiting their effectiveness. This discussion will consider why suicide is a gendered issue and how gender‑responsive approaches can improve outcomes for young people across diverse contexts, particularly in low‑ and middle‑income settings.

Join us for a focused conversation, a light breakfast and a short tour of Orygen’s work.

What to expect:

This 90‑minute morning session will bring together around 60 delegates for a focused and interactive discussion on gendered pathways to suicide risk, reflections on gaps in current prevention approaches, and how gender‑responsive frameworks can improve outcomes.

Speakers include:

• Prof Jo Robinson, President of the International Association for Suicide Prevention, and Head of Suicide Research at Orygen

• Roshni Basu, UNICEF Pacific

• Yves Miel Zúñiga, United for Global Mental Health

• Rebecca Nabirabwa, StrongMinds

• Conor Costello, Plan International

With remarks from Lifeline International and the United Nations Youth Office.

A light breakfast will be provided, and there will be an optional tour of Orygen's work.

Who should attend:

• Young people

• Community leaders and advocates

• Researchers and practitioners

• Policy makers

• Women Deliver conference delegates

• Anyone interested in gender equality, youth mental health and suicide prevention

Transport for Women Deliver conference delegates

Transport will be organised for Women Deliver conference delegates. This includes pick up from Melbourne CBD and return back to the conference venue at the conclusion of the event. 

Accessibility & inclusion:

Orygen is committed to creating safe, inclusive and accessible spaces. If you have any access requirements or questions, please let us know during registration or contact us directly.

Orygen is easily accessible via public transportation. The closest train station is Royal Park station and the closest tram line is the 58. Both tram and train stops are a 5 minute walk to Orygen. For the month of April, public transportation in Melbourne is free and no payment is required.