Our Story

Founded in 2021 by best friends Kate Raston (B.S. Health Promotion, GradDip. Sexology) and Nicolette Beard (B.S. Health Promotion, GradDip. Education), We Are W/M began as a grassroots initiative called "We Are Womxn." Born from candid conversations about the all-too-common realities of sexual harassment, assault, and the stigma surrounding women's health and pleasure, their shared mission has now evolved into a registered charity driving real change.

It was a common thread of conversation—nights out where a guy friend decided to take advantage, a hand slipped up your skirt in a busy bar, being told condoms don’t feel as good, or waking up and not remembering what happened at all. Among their friends, it was also common to express feelings of shame and stigma when talking about women’s pleasure, health, and basic anatomy. These experiences resonate across generations and genders, highlighting the urgent need for change.

Recognising a critical gap in comprehensive Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE), Kate and Nicolette set out to make a difference. With a combined 16 years of experience in health education, they have reached over 20,000 young people across Australia, delivering open, honest, and evidence-based trauma-informed programs. Their mission is to ensure that every Australian has access to accurate information about sex, consent, relationships, and their bodies, empowering them to enhance their social and emotional well-being.

Today, We Are W/M has expanded far beyond education. Now a formal charity, the organisation is committed to preventing gender-based violence through advocacy, research, and systemic change. Their work has been featured at major music festivals, national and international conferences, and across various media outlets, sparking crucial conversations at every level of society. Their team, supported by a dedicated board, continues to develop evidence-based resources and policies, ensuring that young people, educators, and communities have access to practical, trauma-informed tools.

Through peer-to-peer learning, policy advocacy, and research-driven program development, We Are W/M is reshaping how Australia approaches consent, healthy relationships, and gender equality—one conversation, one resource, and one empowered young person at a time.