Posted on: 5 March 2025
A movement has been officially launched this week to tackle the inequalities and challenges faced by women in accessing care and finding trusted information about their health.
Across Bradford District and Craven, women have shared the challenges they face in accessing care, finding trusted information, and being heard when they raise health concerns. The insight work presented a very clear message that ‘women’s health has been overlooked for too long’.
That’s why Bradford District and Craven Health and Care Partnership launched the ‘Taking Women’s Health Seriously’ movement at a landmark event with over 200 people at University of Bradford last week, ahead of International Women’s Day (Saturday 8 March).
This movement was built by and for local women, bringing together healthcare professionals, community organisations, and local services to transform health awareness, services, and outcomes.
A new online resource hub, BetterHealthWomen.co.uk, has been set up to provide trusted information, signposting to local services, and opportunities for people to get involved and drive change.
Keynote speakers at the event included Professor Kate Pickett, a leading voice on health inequality. Breakout sessions tackled vital topics such as menopause, neurodiversity, periods, pregnancy loss, fertility, and endometriosis, ensuring real issues affecting women were at the forefront of the conversation.
The event featured a special video message from Baroness Gillian Merron, Minister for Women’s Health, recognising the work being done in Bradford District and Craven as national good practice.
Throughout the day, attendees pledged their support by making their marks and signing their names in vibrant colours on a large ‘graffiti wall’, creating a striking visual backdrop to symbolise the collective commitment to change. A pop-up photography exhibition also showcased the women behind the movement, celebrating their role in shaping the future of women’s health in Bradford District and Craven.
TV and social-media personality Betty Mukherjee, who rose to fame on BBC’s Race Across the World after sharing her own health experiences, gave an inspiring closing speech. “At 16 years old, I received a diagnosis of MRKH, which means I was born without a womb, and only one kidney,” Betty told the audience.
“At 16, I didn’t know anyone with MRKH and fertility issues. I grew up feeling alone, and I just wanted to help at least one other girl out there to not feel that way. I didn’t think that anybody was going to support my story (in Race Across the World) when it aired, but that wasn’t the case at all, my inbox was flooded with supportive messages.
“Empowered women empower women. Life likes to throw curveballs and that’s okay. It’s all about how we deal with them. So, let’s keep talking, let’s keep breaking down the barriers.”
Helen Farmer, Director of System Transformation at Bradford District and Craven Health and Care Partnership said: “It was great to see so many people come together to focus on women’s health. As part of this movement, we’ve been working to expand clinician training, improving menopause information, and embedding support into community wellbeing hubs. We’re also working through the Voluntary Sector Alliance to run a grants programme, offering grants of £500 to £2,000 to support community-led projects that help activate the women’s health movement at a grassroots level.
“The event on Thursday was just the start, I’m hoping this movement will raise awareness, spark conversations, and ensure everyone impacted by women’s health gets the support they need. Please join in and make a pledge on the website – you’ll be sent materials to help amplify the message and together, we can make women’s health a priority.”
Join the movement today, visit BetterHealthWomen.co.uk.