An HIV support group says the approval of the female condom is a step forward for women's sexual health but there is still work to be done.
The contraception was approved for sale by Health Minister Tony Ryall last week and will be available for sale from 1 May.
A spokesperson for the support group Positive Women said the female condom empowers women to take control over their own sexual health.
Jane Bruning said the contraceptive at about $5 each is, however, too expensive and should be subsidised to be sold at the same price as male condoms.