Where equality reigns
In Bonus Episode #3 of the Speaking of Women’s Health Podcast, Dr Emma Hayward joins us to unpack how hormonal changes, life events, family support and culture all interact in shaping a woman’s mental health – and why educating men and communities is key to truly supporting women’s psychological wellbeing.
Episode three of the ‘Speaking of Women’s Health’ Podcast features Dr Linda Agyemang and Lorraine Stanley, as they candidly share personal stories exposing deep-rooted inequalities in women’s health. Their stories highlight the powerful role of lived experience in how they’re lending their voices to the projects driving change for all women.
Speaking of Women’s Health Podcast BONUS #2 features Dr Emma Hayward, Practising GP and Senior Bournemouth University Lecturer speaking to our hosts about Gynaecology, what’s normal for you – and what needs checking.
Episode three of the ‘Speaking of Women’s Health’ Podcast features Professor Vanora Hundley and Daniel Webster, who bring expert insight and heartfelt stories to a candid discussion on women’s health in Dorset. From demystifying gynaecology to championing community-driven care, this episode offers both practical advice and inspiring progress.
We can’t believe how much time has gone. The months have flown past while we have been busy. In recognition of International Women’s Day 2024 we want to share with you all the work we have been doing and the events we are involved with this week. We would also like to hear from you and there are plenty of opportunities below to get involved or to have your say.
We have a busy week ahead. But there is an important thing we want to get off our chest.
International Women’s Day is a day of recognition created by United Nations Women. – the global champions of equality for women.
The United Nations theme for IWD this year is Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress
“Investing in women and championing gender equality turbocharges a future where everyone in society can thrive, creating a world of boundless opportunity and empowerment for all.”
Please do read all the reasons why they chose this theme by visiting their website – the reasons are based on accelerating economic empowerment, understanding the ‘care society’, and how women can impact climate change.
This is such an important message. Please share where you can.
You may have seen the theme #InspireInclusion being used. This is a different theme created by the marketing company, Aurora Ventures who run the website international women’s day dot com.
We do not use this theme as it does not have the same evidence base or offer the same powerful and compelling message as that defined by United Nations Women.
We do understand that ‘inclusion’ is an important first rung of a long ladder towards equality for women – where women who are particularly disadvantaged or oppressed need the allyship of inclusion to create equity.
But we believe that raising awareness of how and why investment in women is critically needed recognises the power of women to bring about change and reinforces the agency that women have over that change.
|
|
We are proud to be working with NHS colleagues on the Dorset Women’s Health Strategy. Despite the huge limitations of lack of available funding, we have seen inspirational commitment to change from clinicians and managers alike. We will see a new online information, self-help and signposting hub in the autumn, and other workstreams tackle inequality, menopause, young women’s health, mental health and education.
Coming soon: As part of this programme we will be coming to you to ask what YOU want to see change, to hear YOUR stories and to make sure YOUR views are central to decisions and planning. Please help us to reach others by sharing this consultation when it is launched.
It has been a pleasure to have been working in partnership with Soroptimists International Bournemouth and Bournemouth University organising our Summit Meeting event. We know there is a long way to go to tackle the culture of violence against women and girls and all other aspects of women’s safety and justice. But this group of organisations determined to create change is growing all the time. Together we WILL make a difference.
We have begun an exciting project with partners to look at the components of a good employer of women.
Our aspiration is to create a Charter Mark for Women. This work has identified 4 themes;
If you’d like to be involved, let us know at dorsetwomen@gmail.com
What does YOUR candidate stand for?
We have ambitious plans to inform you of your candidate’s position on issues that affect you during the upcoming local elections in Dorset, Police and Crime Commissioner elections in May and the General Election in the Autumn.
During the run-up to the Local Elections in Dorset, we will be sending the Dorset Women’s Charter to all candidates and asking them whether they will ‘Stand for Women’. We will ask them whether they will make a pledge to uphold the 10 standards of the Charter if they are elected. We will publish the results on our website.
During Police and Crime Commissioner elections we will ask candidates three questions about their position on women’s safety and justice. We will publish the candidates’ responses on our website.
In preparation for the General Election, we will ask candidates their position on 5 policy issues that affect women – policies that relate to childcare, taxes, health, social care and workplace equality. We will publish their responses on our website.
We believe it is important that women understand the positions of all candidates when deciding to vote. Many policy issues affect men and women differently – like Transport, Housing, Childcare or Employment. And so we want to ensure YOU know who you’re voting for.
Women as Politicians
If you missed our event ‘Women in Politics – Are we being fairly represented’ You can read the report of the event here.
Only 30% of current Councillors in Dorset are Women and in BCP the number is 40%. We believe that there should be greater representation of women in politics and our report describes the barriers that women face in standing.
We plan to continue to work hard to be part of change to make the political arena better and safer for women.
We are growing fast and we need more help.
Everyone at Dorset Women CIC is a volunteer and we have a fantastic team who help us do what we do.
Could you join us?
From an hour a week to a fully support Internship, we have an opportunity for everyone. We have a LOT of things we want to do and simply can’t. Can you help?
We have busy year ahead. Please follow us on Social Media at @DorsetWomen to keep up to date with all our activities. It helps us hugely if you can ‘like’ and comment on our posts. It may not seem much but it helps spread the word and let other people know about what we are doing. Even this one small thing can be an important contribution to changing society for women.
If you want to get involved, talk with us or take part in any of our consultations. Email us at dorsetwomen@gmail.com or visit our website and click for Get Involved.
Hosted by Dorset Women and GO Girls under the WAND umbrella, this was of interest to all women of all ages.
In September 2022 the UK Government launched the first ever Women’s Health Strategy for England. This makes now an important and exciting time for women’s voices to be heard and to better understand the impact of health on women now and in the future.
The event had a packed agenda with a broad range of expert speakers from consultant gynaecologists, specialist nurse practitioners, and other key stakeholders from across Dorset, responsible for women’s healthcare. The programme addressed a range of key topics, including gender bias, menstrual health, fertility & pregnancy, cancers, sexual health and menopause.
The event was launched by comedian and GO Girls patron, Helen Lederer, with an online guest appearance from Scottish comedian, Janey Godley, who herself is currently undergoing ovarian cancer treatment.
This event is hosted by Dorset Women and GO Girls women’s cancer support charity.