Zoe Creed is more than a beauty queen. She’s a fierce advocate for women’s health, using her Miss Universe platform to raise awareness for issues like endometriosis and the gender pain gap.

 

Describe your work in a sentence.

My work through Born Creed and Women’s Pain Greater Purpose is a mix of passion, knowledge and love for creating the ultimate space for women and their health.

 

How has your journey shaped your career?

It started with my first period - I was scared and in pain. Yes, I had my mum to help, but I felt lost and uneducated … I could not truly understand what was happening. Over time, I fell into a path of anorexia and disordered eating. I then lost my period for a year; it came back, but it was never the same. If anything, I was in more pain than ever. Over time, the pain that once felt like a 10 became normalised. Pain that once felt like knives stabbing into my stomach and uterus, which would make me drop to the ground, no longer did because I just learned to put up with it. I thought it was “normal” or “nothing to worry about, you’ll be alright” (which is what one of my doctors told me). Fast forward seven years, and I’m now diagnosed with endo (98% sure) and booked in for surgery to help ease the pain. Now, I feel lost and unsure; it is almost like I’m back at square one again.

My health journey has certainly not been easy, yet it has shaped me into the woman I am today and helped redirect my career into women’s health. I have an online platform aimed at women called Born Creed. It’s a space where movement and nutrition are made simple. Aligning with this is my Women’s Pain Greater Purpose initiative. This page outlines women’s health journeys and showcases the warriors who have used their pain to turn it into a greater purpose through their lives and careers. The overarching aim of both platforms is to spotlight women’s health, highlighting the struggles and the power women hold within their bodies.

 

Winning Miss Universe Australia is huge! What did it mean to you?

I find it hard to sum up exactly how I felt, as so many things rushed to my mind. However, the Miss Universe Australia platform has allowed me to speak on the topics I am most passionate about. When I won, I gained an even bigger platform to speak for women and advocate for the women's health industry. The MUA platform is unlike any other. Not only do you gain a greater voice, but you also make incredible connections that help you create a bigger impact in your chosen field. In just four months, I’ve already met many amazing businesswomen, spokespeople, and like-minded individuals working to change women’s health.

 

What's the most surprising experience during your reign?

The most surprising experience was when I travelled to Mexico to compete on the international stage and realised how much love and support I had, not only from Australia but from all over the world - especially from people I didn't know. Their messages each day, some wishing me good luck, some sharing their health stories, and some just sending a friendly smile, were overwhelming - but in the best way possible.

 

How have your health struggles shaped your advocacy?

Every pain, dismissal and uneducated decision has shaped my advocacy. The past 11 years have been the building blocks of who I am and why I advocate for women’s health today. My aim within the women’s health industry is to de-stigmatize how women’s pain and health are viewed. For so long, I, along with many others, have had our pain dismissed and not believed. I want to change this so that not only I but all women everywhere have their pain believed and relieved.

 

What’s the impact of Women’s Pain Greater Purpose on the gender pain gap?

When we look at all the issues in the world, women’s health may not seem like a big issue. In reality, women make up 52% of the population, and so many are affected by endometriosis. Women’s health is one of the most pressing issues we face today.

We work in pain, socialise in pain, and normalise our pain. Women’s Pain Greater Purpose is a platform that allows women to share their stories, experiences, triumphs, and losses. It celebrates women and embodies their true power. We turn pain into a greater purpose and showcase how women are today's true warriors.

 

How can people support your movement?

There is so much people can do! Send your stories for us to share. Use the #shewillberight and #womenspaingreaterpurpose to showcase what you do in your daily life. Help advocate for what’s going on in your local communities.

 

What dismissals do women face about their pain, and how can we empower them?

The most common dismissal I’ve experienced is “it’s normal.” It’s not normal to be in pain every day. It’s not normal to be so bloated you look 9 months pregnant. It’s not normal to have stabbing pains so intense they stop you from working or make you drop to the ground in pain. Normalising the pain women experience around their menstrual health is not what we need to do. Acknowledging and understanding why she has this pain and then educating her on how to help is the only answer.

The medical industry, while amazing, is also utterly confusing. It took me over 11 years to get a real diagnosis, and I still don’t have all the answers. So, how do we combat this?

We can start by vocalising within our community and making women feel comfortable to speak up about their experiences. Next, we need more government funding. $1.8 billion has been allocated to investigating women’s health in Australia over the next 10 years! It’s a great start, but we need more. We must also implement women’s health and the menstrual cycle in all schools. An in-depth curriculum on various women’s health issues, like endometriosis, PCOS, ovarian cancer, etc., must be introduced for better education. There is so much we can do.

How does your wellness work with Born Creed tie into your health advocacy?

Pilates has always been my passion. The movement makes me feel in control while also challenging me. Pilates has helped me with not only physical achievements but also with managing my pain. On days when I want to love my body but am too sore to go for a run, Pilates and gentle movement are my go-to. It aligns with my slogan: simple, honest, and real.

In Born Creed, this is exactly what we do - simple movements, honest nutrition, and a realistic approach to everyday training and lifestyle. We also offer a variety of programs to choose from. You have the basics: Pulse, Sculpt, Core, and Bump. Within those are trimester workouts, endo workouts, pelvic pain exercises, deep breathing exercises, postnatal abdominal separation workouts, and more. There is so much to choose from, and it’s evolving every day.

 

Can you share exercises that help alleviate period discomfort?

My number one tip is always maintaining control over your pelvic floor and breathing. Discomfort can often stop us from exercising, but a slow and controlled pelvic floor-focused workout can ease lower back discomfort and help stretch the abdominals. Alternatively, you can do a reverse pelvic floor workout to release the pressure and pain in your stomach. Child's pose is also a great resting position when experiencing pain during a workout.

 

How can social media foster open conversations about women's health?

Social media is one of the most powerful tools at our fingertips today, yet we often struggle to use it in an insightful, impactful way. The best approach is to ensure the information you share about women’s health comes from a reliable source. I only post accredited information from dietitians, women’s health organisations, and studies. When seeking information on women’s health, always take it with a grain of salt. While information from reliable sources is valuable and insightful, it may not always work for you. Sharing your triumphs and setbacks is a great way to show followers what may or may not work for them.

 

How can we all help to create a more supportive environment?

The number one thing we must do as a collective is not tear down other women in the same space as us. Women’s empowerment, health, and community support are vital in creating a lasting impact in the digital world. Creating broadcasting channels for your followers to share their stories and personal experiences is a great way to foster more connections within the social space. Sharing other accredited sources and women’s health professionals’ posts to your story helps connect two communities and allows both to gain different perspectives and insights on the topic. For example, through Born Creed, I share other dietitians' accounts for my followers who need specific plans or help with conditions like endometriosis. Through my account, I have a highlight reel full of reliable sources and information on various women’s health topics from other accounts, not just mine. We must be inclusive and encouraging toward all women’s health professionals and influencers to create change and a safe online space.

 

Can you describe what period self-care means to you?

For me, period self-care has changed a lot over the years. Only during those 7 days of my cycle did I need to take more care of myself. However, I've come to realise that month in and month out, my self-care needs to be consistent and adaptable for various reasons. My routine now isn’t just focused on good period care products; it’s also about incorporating foods that reduce inflammation and pain. A good heat pack to ease my cramps, iron-rich foods to keep my energy high, and exercise that makes me feel good instead of exhausted.

 

Why do you think periods are STILL such a taboo topic?

I think periods are progressing in terms of what’s considered an acceptable topic, but there is still a stigma surrounding a woman’s period. For so long, it’s been associated with being gross, with the idea that you can't do this or that on your period, or that periods aren’t that bad, so we don’t need to talk about them - and the list goes on. However, a woman’s period is so much more powerful than we realise. It should be celebrated and discussed beyond a quick sex-ed talk in school. We must discuss periods more, especially with young women and men. Education is key; we can help implement better future healthcare and strategies for women.

We need to embrace our cycles. Our cycles are our internal powerhouses, our internal wisdom and support that tell our bodies about our health. By embracing and connecting with our cycles' needs, you amplify your internal power and long-term health to accomplish more for your body and your life. Celebrate and honour your cycle always.

 

What's your number one health message?

"To not remain but evolve." It's a saying I've lived by, meaning don't stay stuck in your health journey. I could have easily let setbacks and pain stop me from achieving my dreams, but I didn’t. Choose to evolve and turn your pain into a greater purpose. There is so much women can accomplish simply by refusing to accept no for an answer and standing up for our menstrual health. Turn your pain into power and be the women's health warrior you're meant to be.

 

What are your hopes for the future of period talk?

Again, I hope for it to be ever-evolving. I want more men to speak up about their partners' experiences and advocate for the information needed to help the women in their lives. I hope for an inclusive space on social media that covers all women's health issues, not just period care. Women comprise 52% of this world, and it's time we start prioritising our bodies' needs. Celebrate our cycles, talk to your friends and family, and build a community of like-minded people who uplift you. That’s what I want to see in the future.