Events

 Wrists from several women in the middle with a daisy bracelet around them on the Daisy polycystic ovary syndrome stall

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Inspiring inclusion in women’s health research to tackle health inequalities

Join University of Birmingham this Friday 8th March 2024 (12-2pm) for a friendly and interactive workshop exploring how we can make change together to tackle health inequalities for women. You can join us in-person from 11:45am with pre-event networking and refreshments or online from 12 noon.

This year’s IWD theme asks us to #InspireInclusion by investing in actions to achieve gender equity. A clear example of where action and investment are needed is in women’s health – as women still face astonishing health inequalities even now. But why is this the case?

Women’s health research has been historically underfunded

This needs to change to catalyse the next generation of breakthroughs that will improve and save the lives of countless women. Recently US President Biden revealed new funding in this area.

Women have been underrepresented in research

More women from a wider range of backgrounds need to be incentivised to take part in research and they should also have a voice in shaping future research partnerships to ensure relevance and impact.

Women’s intersectionality in health matters too

Ethnicity and other factors can influence health outcomes for women. For example, Black and Asian women are more likely to die in childbirth compared to white women, so we cannot ignore this. 

We will be joined by inspiring women scientists and doctors who are researching women’s health both here in the UK and globally. Lived experience representation will be at the heart of our event, as we are joined by women who will share their personal stories and hopes for the future research.

This event will also offer opportunity for you to also share your views through interactive voting activities, small group discussions and audience Q&A with speakers.

The event is open to all! As we are planning future research projects in these areas, we are especially keen to encourage women with experience of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or pregnancy complications such as gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, high blood pressure or baby loss. Your views will help us prioritise and plan our next steps.

To help us plan activities as effectively as possible, we need to know numbers attending both in person and online. Therefore, please do RSVP as soon as you can, details below

Workshop Schedule

Friday 8th March 2024 (International Women’s Day)

To attend online using Zoom

Register now

To register to attend in person (Room 201, Arts Building) 

Register now

Programme

  • 11:45-12:00 - Arrivals, teas/coffee refreshments in Room 201, Arts Building. In-person attendance only. Online begins at 12 noon
  • 12:00-12:10 - Welcome and scene setting from workshop chair. Dr Caroline Gillett, Assistant Professor in Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement, University of Birmingham
  • 12:10-12:30 - Lived experience perspectives: Maternal care – a personal perspective. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) – a personal perspective
  • 12:30-13:00 - Clinician-scientist perspectives:
    • Professor Shakila Thangaratinam, Consultant Obstetrician and CoDirector of the WHO Collaborating Centre for Global Women’s Health, University of Birmingham, Birmingham – UK
    • Professor Helena Teede, Consultant Endocrinologist and Director of Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, Monash University, Melbourne – Australia
  • 13:00-13:10- Share your views: Interactive voting
  • 13:10-13:50 - Small group discussions on Health Inequalities, Health Literacy & Future Research
  • 13:50-14:00- Final Reflections and Goodbye from all speakers

(Header image - Hayley Salter Photography)