“But what about…?”
Throughout much of my Biomedical Sciences degree, I thought “…but how does this affect the people around me, and people around the world?”. I was eager to discover how science and society interacted — what impact gender, race, where you grow up, and culture has on your view and experience of health and wellbeing. I wanted to learn how social, political, and environmental influences can impact health and wellbeing worldwide.
Health disparities interested me immediately. Growing up in a very white, middle class area in the UK, I knew that I didn’t have personal experience of many of the factors that influence health and wellbeing. Because of this, I turned to books, podcasts, and the internet to expand my world view and learn about other people’s experiences. After moving to Manchester, I met many people from diverse backgrounds, which consolidated my interest in people’s differing experiences, even just within the UK.
Reflecting on this and my interest in health inequalities arising through race, I wanted to use my privilege to help and support others, advocating for them — but not speaking for or over them. The ‘Decolonising Contraception’ collective has been crucial in my journey into Public Health; they are an interdisciplinary team of sex educators, doctors, campaigners and more who address a range of issues across sexual and reproductive health. Racism in Relationship and Sex Education exacerbates sexual health inequalities and reproductive injustice. Their articles and podcasts gave me an insight into the variety of roles within Public Health, and highlighted how important communication and collaboration is. I have also learnt to listen to people’s first-hand experiences and not to assume which issues affect particular groups.
As I researched, I learnt that phrases such as “Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic” (BAME) and “People of Colour” (PoC) can be problematic, and that some people who would fit such a category wouldn’t identify with it. These labels can be seen as vague and othering, essentially saying that being white is the default. Furthermore, this generalisation can be used to hide specific inequalities, for example that Black people face, in healthcare and beyond. It is paramount to be open to criticism and learn about context; I continue to adjust my language and actions accordingly.
The variety of students on the course is a great strength and I’ve learnt a lot from them already. Hearing their experiences makes me reflect on how initiatives and campaigns can be applied to the UK, or other countries, and why they do or don’t work. I’ve chosen holistic modules such as “Working with Communities”, “Health Promotion” and “Global Women’s Public Health” among others. I believe they will complement each other, leading to a well-rounded education, and tying in with my own interests. Furthermore, I believe this will have a positive effect on my future work, whether that is at community, national, or international level. I’m excited to learn more about research in these areas, and how councils and governments can support the important grassroots work that is happening. As well as my studies, I believe it’s necessary to apply this knowledge to real life. I’m eager to get involved with Public Health in Manchester such as Sexpression, a charity which empowers young people to make informed decisions about sex and relationships.
I believe a holistic approach that empowers people on all levels to take ownership of their health and wellbeing, while being supported by their community and experts, is the way forward and I am eager to play my part in dismantling the systemic issues that prevent this.
