Facing the Facts is an event providing a safe space for womxn of colour to learn about and discuss their health and wellbeing. The event will bring together a range of professionals including clinicians, sex educators, medical students, community advocates, artists and others to deliver workshops and panel discussions throughout the day.
We welcome all womxn of colour to the space, to learn more about their health, wellbeing and the services which we look to to provide us with care. Together, let’s explore not only the complexities of womxn’s experiences within the NHS and with healthcare in Britain, but critically engage with themes such as the overlapping conflicts of class, public/private health, gender-binaries and sexuality.
Be part of an interactive lecture on the colonial history of sexual reproductive health. The lecture will be led by Edem Ntumy of Decolonising Contraceptio; in collective conversations presented by Sara El Harrak focusing on the effects and practices of our national health services. Speakers include Kelechi Okafor, Leanne Pero, and Dr Ria Clarke. There will be in conversations on the importance of donating blood within minority ethnic groups with Melanin Medics, a collective of young aspiring medical students.
Schedule
- 12.00–13.00
- Drop-in workshops
- 13.00–14.00
- Lecture on sexual health by Edem Ntumy of Decolonialising Contraception. Ntumby is a political activist and commentator who works in sexual health for NAZ, a sexual health charity for the BAME community.
- 14.00–15.00
- Drop-in workshops
- 15.00–16.00
- Talk on Black womxn and cancer by Leanne Pero founder of the UK’s first ever all Black female cancer exhibition – Black Women Rising; Cheryl Johnson, cancer support advocate for Macmillan; and Helena Boyce, a breast cancer survivor and advocate of dance, fitness and wellness.
- 16.00–16.30
- Drop-in workshops
- 16.30–18.00
- Panel discussion on the NHS with Kelechi Okafor, activist, actor, director, fitness entrepreneur and public speaker; Dr Ria Clarke, consultant in obstetrics and gynaecology for the NHS; Ololade Obadare, medical student; and public speaker and Dr Georgette On, a consultant oncoplastic breast and reconstructive plastic surgeon.
About 198 Comtemporary Arts and Learning
198 Contemporary Arts and Learning's mission is to advance public interest in the visual arts, as well as nurture and support the career of emerging, under-represented artists. Founded in 1988, 198 develops projects that consider the work and study of emerging cultural identities, through exhibitions, workshops, education projects and critical debate with artists, thinkers, activists, young people and local and artistic communities. We advocate for diversity within the visual arts and provide opportunities for those wishing to develop careers in the creative and cultural industries.