Bayer launches nation’s first interactive garden, shaped as the female reproductive system

Social Impact: Bayer has unveiled a unique initiative aimed at prioritising women’s health: Australia’s first Lady Garden, located in Toowoomba’s Civic Square, debuts during the city’s Carnival of Flowers.

The floral reproductive system, complete with a uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries and cervix, is a first-of-its-kind space for women to freely connect on their reproductive health, share anecdotes, and ask questions.

According to recent market research commissioned by Bayer, a significant number of Australian women aged 30-45 prioritise the health of others over their own, with 60% placing family health concerns above their own well-being. Factors such as high living costs (62%), financial pressures (44%), poor work-life balance (34%), and parenting responsibilities (25%) often lead women to neglect their own reproductive health needs.

Dr Sian Edwards, a Toowoomba GP and Senior Medical Officer of True Relationships and Reproductive Health, welcomes the Lady Garden as reminder for local women, and women nationwide, to check in on their reproductive health and to regularly seek support and guidance on the topic.

“Access to high-quality reproductive healthcare is a fundamental right. Most women menstruate for 40 years — during this time and even in the menopausal years that follow, they will require a myriad of medical advice and must be supported to maintain their health. The Lady Garden offers a place for women to hear best practice, engage in one-on-one conversations with health practitioners, and pledge to prioritise their own reproductive health,” Dr Sian said.

Health challenges unique to women, such as heavy menstrual bleeding affecting one in three Australian women, significantly impact daily life, including work productivity (40%), social interactions (30%), and routine maintenance due to fatigue (41%). Menopausal symptoms also affect a quarter of women aged 45-64, making daily tasks challenging. Additionally, an estimated one in seven Australian women copes with endometriosis.

The geographical challenges exacerbate these issues in regional and remote Australia, where 28% of Australian women reside. Limited access to specialised healthcare services in these areas often forces women to take time off work due to menstrual issues (30%) and struggle with long travel times and waiting periods to see specialists (11%).

The National Women’s Health Strategy (WHS) 2020-2030 further recognises the need to increase access to services for conditions such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, and premature and early menopause in rural areas.

Monica Saba, Head of Public Affairs at Bayer ANZ, said the creation of the Lady Garden in Toowoomba was driven by a desire to bring focus to the needs of women in regional and rural Australia.

“Bayer recognises the ambitions of the National Women’s Health Strategy to improve the health and wellbeing of all women in Australia, especially those at most risk of poor health. As a leader in women’s health, we are committed to playing our part.

“Our hope is to break down the barriers faced by women in rural and regional areas, inspire conversations today in Toowoomba, and continuing on, one Australian community at a time,” Saba stated.

Survey findings indicate a widespread desire among women to enhance their knowledge of reproductive health options, with 67% feeling uncertain about available choices. Specific interests include understanding perimenopause (37%), menopause (28%), menstrual health (29%), heavy bleeding (27%), endometriosis (22%), and PCOS (22%).

The need for initiatives like The Lady Garden, to increase reproductive health education and dialogue nationwide, is clear.

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