Oldham women's faith group embark on health mission

An Oldham interfaith group that has proved a breath of fresh air for women by organising walking trips and holding sessions on aspects of culture and hate crime.

Collectively they embarked on a new mission recently - to get forgotten voices heard when it comes to health.

Women Growing Together (WGT) brings different ethnic and faith communities closer and challenges stereotypes through friendship, knowledge, and fun.

Its latest event was an appointment with Oldham GP and national women’s health expert Dr Anita Sharma, where concerns about not being taken seriously by doctors and seeing locums instead of family medic, were high on the agenda.

Concerns were also raised regarding the stigma attached to gynaecological issues such as menopause and even cancer.

Fortunate then, the audience had the founder of the Endometriosis Awareness North charity on hand to speak with them.

Said Dr Sharma: “My mantra is ‘When we get it right for women, everyone in our society benefits’, but we have made slow progress when it comes to women’s health.

"Endometriosis is a prime example of this.

"It affects 1.5 million females in the UK and impacts the physical and mental health of 190 million globally and yet awareness of this debilitating condition remains low, sometimes even within the medical profession.”

Dr Sharma went on to highlight the government’s first Women’s Health Strategy – outlining its ambitions and the actions now being taken to improve the health and wellbeing of women and girls in England.

She stressed how listening to women was the key to improving everything from maternity choices to research, evidence, and data and information education, and workplace wellbeing.

The Queen Elizabeth Hall event also saw discussions around wellbeing and how women can look after their own health.

Dr Sharma added: “There was a great atmosphere when people shared ideas and opportunities for women to try new things and connect again in the future, whether that be a faith event, exercise sessions or enjoying the many green spaces here in Oldham.

"At this worrying time internationally, what a positive it was to see women working together to break down barriers and work collaboratively for the benefit of everyone.”

The Women Growing Together group meets on the first Tuesday of every month to plan and organise events, welcoming women of all faiths and backgrounds.

If you would like information about future events or would like to attend a meeting, please email: wgt-oldham@outlook.com

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