Full Stop Community and Podcast’s Post

Did you know that women are up to 8 times more likely to suffer thyroid problems than men. Today we celebrate all the amazing women who make up a large proportion of our thyroid community. You are not alone! #thyroidpatients #thyroidhealth #thyroiddisease #internationalwomensday2024

Did you know? PCOS affects 1 in 10 women of childbearing age, yet many remain undiagnosed. Let's break the silence, raise awareness, and support those navigating this condition. Together, we can empower women and improve access to care. #pcosawareness #pcos #hormonalimbalance

Maternal care is as important and vital as neonatal care… caring for the mother is CARE for the family .. and vital for equal growth opportunities for women.

My second go at futures writing, more hopeful this time, imagining a feminism for women of all ages – for International Women’s Day #IWD2024. Ageing is a feminist issue, but ageism means that for too long it has not seen as such. I meet more people now from the ageing and the women’s movements combining forces, including HelpAge International, determined to change that. Inequalities that women experience accumulate along the life course lead to women experiencing compounded discrimination and disadvantage in later life. Although women live longer lives than men, they do so in worse health and greater poverty.  Even newer debates about caregiving centre working-age women, doing older women the final indignity of being seen only as a burden to younger women, when in fact all across the globe they are as likely to be care-giver as in need of care, providing care for spouses, children, grandchildren and indeed their older relatives.  We have seen situations where issues of economics and scarcity are weaponised to create intergenerational clashes, and so, tragically, we have seen older women marginalised and experiencing all forms of verbal, emotional, financial and physical abuse, even femicide.  In the HelpAge network there is a global chain of feminists who are increasingly insisting on raising their voices to say feminism can and must recognise that women get older, and that women of all ages have rights and power.   With thanks to women who have inspired this thought: Camilla Williamson Carole Osero-Ageng'o Eppu Mikkonen Susanna Flood Evelyne Opondo Vappu Taipale Robin Talbert, JD, Prudence Woodford-Berger, and all the mothers who have gone before us to give us what we have now.

Maternal health impact on society is immeasurable!

🌟#IAmRemarkabke -Renewed my Certification👏🏾👏🏾🌟 Many women and people from minority groups often feel they cannot talk about their achievements. Some cultures and faiths tell a woman she should be humble. Some elders say, is "keep your head down, work hard and it will be recognised" #IAmRemarkable is a GLOBAL initiative empowering everyone, with a focus on women and other underrepresented groups to celebrate their achievements in the workplace and beyond. Research indicates menopausal women often lose confidence and self esteem. They leave their jobs and won't go for promotion. I recently facilitated a workshop for a group of Muslim women based in the UK and across the globe. It helped them to learn how to speak openly about their accomplishments. The workshop is divided into three parts: Discuss: Increase awareness of data and research regarding self-promotion and bias. Practice: Practice articulating individual achievements and sharing with others. #empoweringwomen #empoweringminoritygroups #selfpromotion #menopause

On this International Women's Day, I find myself reflecting on the profound journey of women, their resilience, and their unyielding spirit in the face of adversity. It's a day that resonates deeply with me, weaving through my own narrative of love, and loss. As the world celebrates the myriad achievements of women, my heart is heavy with the stories of those who, like me, have navigated the tumultuous path of secondary infertility, miscarriages, and the heart-wrenching decisions that often accompany such personal trials. My journey has been marked by the joy of conceiving and the profound sorrow of losing three babies to miscarriage. It's a pain that is both unique and shared, a silent thread connecting countless women across the globe. The decision to terminate two pregnancies was not made lightly; it was a choice enveloped in a melancholic hope for a future where the health and wellbeing of a mother and child are paramount. This International Women's Day, my call to action is born from a place of intimate understanding and unwavering conviction. It's a plea to stand in solidarity with all women as we navigate these turbulent waters. We must channel our collective power to advocate for the sanctity of reproductive rights and the freedom to make decisions about our bodies and our futures. What's your call to action? .... #IWD2024 #internationalwomensday #empowerher #inspireinclusion #womenshistorymonth

Today we celebrate the amazing women that call themselves mothers. We also must remember that women are not always receiving the care they need, especially when dealing with Substance Use Disorder (SUDs). Fewer than 11% of women are seeking help due to stigma and barriers. First Call works to breakdown barriers and never turns anyone away because of their inability to pay. If you are ready to take the next step, let First Call help. 816.361.5900

Often, the most impactful changes start close to home. This is true for my brother, the driving force behind the Akka Foundation's Project Anandi. Seeing his own daughters struggle with menstrual health issues opened his eyes to a critical, yet neglected problem. Project Anandi tackles this head-on, not just by providing supplies, but by fostering understanding and breaking the silence around periods. But here's the key: to truly move the needle, men need to be allies in this fight, not just for periods, but for all women's health issues. Understanding and empathy are crucial to dismantle societal stigmas and have open conversations. By listening to women's experiences with periods, men can gain valuable insight into the challenges they face. By normalizing period talk and actively supporting efforts to improve menstrual hygiene, men can create a more supportive environment where women feel empowered. Breaking the silence about periods opens the door to broader conversations about gender equality and reproductive health. Men can advocate for policies that ensure all women, regardless of background, have access to hygiene products, healthcare, and education. This journey towards open communication fosters a profound harmony between genders. When men become allies, a sense of shared understanding and respect flourishes. Women feel valued and supported, leading to a more collaborative and productive coexistence. Imagine a world where periods are a normal topic, just like any other bodily function. This creates a space for open communication about all aspects of women's health, dismantling the walls of stigma and fostering a sense of shared humanity. Project Anandi, led by my brother, is a powerful example of why men matter in women's health. By promoting open communication and understanding, we can build a more equitable and inclusive society where everyone's voice is heard. #MenstrualAlly #HeForShe #ManUpForWomen #TogetherWeRise #PeriodTalk #EndPeriodStigma #WomensHealthMatters #GenderEquality #AkkaFoundation

Can anyone see what’s wrong with the greeting described below?  In a women’s group, I’m in (for all women, not just moms), someone posted a holiday greeting to “all the special mama docs in this group.”  For those who don’t see what’s wrong, allow me to explain.  This was addressed only to moms.  As if women without children don’t exist… Or just don’t count.  Apparently, in order to count, in order to have value as a female, you must be a mom.  This situation highlights a common exclusion.  It highlights how women are judged and society does not value women other than through their roles as moms.  This greeting, whether intended or not, relates women's worth to their maternal status. It doesn’t matter whether it’s intentional or not, it’s a common occurrence.  It’s routine to get messages that the contributions of women without children are less important.  Women’s worth is not determined by fertility status.   A supportive community, whether it's at work, with friends, or with family, needs to acknowledge the value of different roles and paths for women.