‘Exemplary’ GPs inducted into Victorian Honour Roll of Women

Two GPs have been inducted into the Victorian Honour Roll of Women, recognised for their leadership, service, and for paving a way for the next generation.
 
Associate Professor Magdalena Simonis was named a ‘change agent’ and Dr Naba Masad Alfayadh an ‘emerging leader’ at the Melbourne ceremony this month.
 
The pair joined 25 other women and gender-diverse people among the Honour Roll’s 2026 inductees, with the list also including lawyers, educators, scientists, and chefs.
 
Associate Professor Simonis was recognised for being a ‘leader in advancing the visibility and leadership of women in medicine’, and her work to create structural change.
 
She was celebrated for her landmark research on female genital cosmetic surgery, which ‘challenged stigma and misinformation’, as well as her work on the National Action Plan for Endometriosis, cervical screening reforms, and menopause policy.
 
‘Her media work brings complex and often silenced women’s health issues into public conversation,’ the Honour Roll said.
 
‘Magdalena’s voice has helped shift public understanding, reduce stigma and improve health literacy.’
 
Associate Professor Simonis said the recognition demonstrates how impactful GPs can be within their communities.
 
‘Like most of us, I fell into the area of expertise because patients expect that of us,’ she told newsGP.
 
‘There are gaps and inequities in the system that really raise concerns as a GP who advocates for patients who are not as well represented, especially the marginalised and the women with culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
 
‘When they have an interaction with the health system that doesn’t serve them well, you share their disappointment.
 
‘It’s been really heartening to see this is being responded to and that women’s voices are now being heard.’
 
Dr Alfayadh, who moved to Australia from Iraq as a child, was celebrated for starting four social equity ventures, including Rahma Health, which supports Arabic-speaking families through the first five years of a child’s life.
 
Already, Rahma Health has helped 400,000 people in Victoria and six million people globally through visits to its online resources.
 
‘Naba’s work has transformed antenatal education and increased parent–child connection,’ the Honour Roll said.
 
‘It has supported multicultural families across the state. Her lived experience and resilience make her a role model for many Victorian women.’
 
Dr Alfayadh said the acknowledgement comes in a year when she has increased her public women’s health work, including working with Jean Hailes for Women’s Health on period-related content for her own community.
 
‘It’s been so meaningful to work on content that helps women love their bodies and connect with their bodies,’ she told newsGP.
 
Dr Alfayadh said the difference she has seen in women’s lives has been ‘absolutely profound’.
 
‘I feel entrusted with such an important life mission, and I want to try my hardest every day to do the best to take care of all those families,’ she said.
 
‘Social change and entrepreneurship are so important to shape Australia and our world to be equitable, just and kind. I would encourage everyone to give it a go and help shape a kinder society for all.’ 
 
Victorian Women and Gender Equality Minister Gabrielle Williams, who presented at the ceremony, congratulated all the 2026 inductees.
 
‘It’s an honour to recognise these exemplary women on behalf of Victorians for their leadership and service to our community,’ she said.
 
‘These inductees have paved the way for others, strengthened their communities, become leaders in their fields and continue to inspire the next generation.’
 
More than 800 women and gender-diverse people have been inducted to Victorian Honour Roll of Women since the initiative began in 2001.
 
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