Dr Omolade Allen

Written by Dr Omolade Allen, Lecturer in Global Health Research, for our International Women’s Day issue of the Faculty Newsletter. 

As we celebrate International Women’s Day 2025, we embrace this year’s theme: ‘Accelerate Action’. This is a call to push forward in dismantling the systemic barriers that prevent women, particularly those from ethnically minoritised communities, from accessing essential healthcare and support services. Gender inequality continues to limit opportunities, including in health and wellbeing, where social and economic disparities create unnecessary obstacles.

My work in global women’s health focuses on addressing these inequalities, particularly in areas such as breast cancer prevention, and support for women experiencing domestic abuse. These are critical issues that disproportionately affect women, with women from ethnically minoritised backgrounds often facing additional challenges such as financial constraints, language barriers, and a lack of culturally appropriate services. This work directly supports Sustainable Development Goal 10 (SDG 10), which calls for reducing inequalities within and among countries.

Tackling Health Inequality Through Co-Production and Community Engagement

A significant barrier to healthcare access for many women is financial insecurity, which makes it difficult for them to prioritise their health. Limited work opportunities, particularly for certain groups of ethnically minoritised women, means that many are in low-paid, insecure jobs where taking time off for medical appointments is simply not an option. This has profound implications, as, if women cannot afford to miss work, they may delay or forgo these essential health checks.

To accelerate action, we must go beyond simply providing healthcare services and ensure that they are accessible, trusted, and culturally relevant. One of the most powerful ways to improve healthcare access is through collaborations with voluntary, community, faith, and social enterprise (VCFSE) organisations. These groups already have strong, trusted relationships within the communities they serve, making them key partners in reaching women who may struggle to access the healthcare system.

How Can We All Accelerate Action?

Achieving gender equality in health requires more than good intentions—it demands real, systemic change. Healthcare providers must prioritise co-designed services that meet the actual needs of women in ethnically diverse communities. Policymakers must acknowledge the economic realities that prevent women from accessing care and take action to support flexible working policies. Individuals and organisations must advocate for better community-led healthcare solutions that address inequality at its roots.

For me, International Women’s Day reminds us that change does not happen in isolation. It happens when we listen to women’s voices, collaborate with trusted community organisations, and take bold action to remove barriers to care. By accelerating action today, we can build a future where every woman—regardless of her background—has equal access to the healthcare and support she needs to live a healthy, empowered life.

About Omolade

Dr Omolade Allen is a Lecturer in Global Health Research, with a focus on improving the access of ethnically minoritised women residents in high-income countries to essential health and social care by collaborating with non-governmental organisations. Her work aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), especially SDG 10.

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