The Women of Color Health Equity Collective recently hosted a virtual panel focused on improving healthcare for women and girls of color. Based in Western Massachusetts, this organization envisions a world where they can thrive in health and well-being.
Wanda Givens, part of the leadership team, guided the discussion, joined by fellow leaders Dayna Campbell, Kayla Mighty, and Vanessa Martinez. They were supported by Pamela Young, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Amherst, and psychologist Patricia Romney.
Givens opened the event with a call to look both at the past and the future. The Collective’s goal is clear: to ensure health equity for women and girls of color. The panel envisioned a world where these women enjoy optimal health and safety.
Romney emphasized the importance of respect and emotional well-being, while Campbell reflected on what her grandmother and mother experienced, expressing her hopes for her daughter’s future. Givens shared her vision of a world where women can walk freely without fear of violence. She insisted that these dreams are achievable.
During the discussion, serious health disparities became a focal point, especially concerning maternal health. According to the CDC, the maternal mortality rate for women of color in 2023 was over three times higher than that of white women. This statistic highlights urgent disparities that need addressing.
The Collective bases its work on four pillars: community leadership, racial equity, collective action, and cultural humility. As they define it, cultural humility involves respecting and understanding those who are different from us. Givens highlighted that this practice extends beyond race and is essential for effective healthcare.
The Collective provides training on cultural humility and equity, helping members embody these principles. They are also planning regular events to foster community through games and conversations.
Women’s History Month holds significance for the panelists. Givens noted that it’s about celebrating not just individuals, but the movements that challenge unjust systems. References to influential figures like Maya Angelou and Audre Lorde inspire the team, reminding them they are not alone in their fight for equity.
At 81, Romney reflected on her lifetime of change, feeling hopeful as she observed women of color in influential positions today. Givens echoed this sentiment, acknowledging the countless women quietly contributing to significant change.
As they inspire one another and build connections, the impact of their work continues to grow.
To learn more about the Women of Color Health Equity Collective, you can visit their official website.
