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‘Let’s be the change’ - women’s health under the spotlight

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Women’s health across the district came under the spotlight at an event held at the University of Bradford.

Four people sat behind a table on a stage with a big screen behind them

‘Taking Women’s Health Seriously’, organised by the Bradford District and Craven Health and Care Partnership, saw professionals, campaigners, and community voices unite to discuss women’s health. 

Speakers at the conference included former GP and national campaigner Dr Anne Connolly MBE, who called for a reduction in barriers to care and better workplace policies on women’s health and Betty Mukherjee, who appeared on Race Across the World in 2024, highlighted the importance of breaking taboos around women’s health.

Miscarriage and menopause

The event included the launch of a women’s health movement, encouraging individuals and organisations to pledge action towards supporting better health outcomes for all women. This was launched by TV presenter and Voice of Bradford 2024 winner Irene Kaali, who was last year crowned as the Voice of Bradford to help promote Bradford 2025.

The conference also featured workshops and breakout sessions on menopause, endometriosis, miscarriage, and female perspectives on neurodiversity. 

A university staff member stands in front of table near a stage at a conference event

Professor Udy Archibong, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at the University of Bradford, said: “Women’s health is not just an issue for women, it affects families, workplaces, the entire healthcare system and society at large. 

“At the University of Bradford, we educate the next generation of healthcare professionals so they can give gender sensitive care. We work alongside policymakers and community leaders, so healthcare is inclusive to all women, regardless of background.

“This conference has an opportunity to challenge dated assumptions and share cutting-edge research. Remember, the conversations today are about making change, not just about raising awareness. Let’s not just talk about change, let’s be the change.”

Working together 

Other contributors included Dr Sofia Buncy MBE, co-founder of the Muslim Women in Prisons project, GP and clinical lead for Women’s Health Dr Amy Tatham and Baroness Gillian Merron, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department of Health and Social Care.

Two people wearing lanyards stand next to each other and smile in front of a screen after giving a talk

The conference concluded with a performance from South Asian Women’s Choir Song Geet, Yorkshire’s South Asian Women’s Choir, and a capella group, Bradford Women Singers.

Representatives from healthcare groups including Locala Health & Wellbeing, a Bradford-based not-for-profit community healthcare provider, and Bevan Healthcare, a group which offers primary care service for homeless people, refugees and asylum seekers, also attended the conference, held on Thursday 27 February.