Nearly 120 women from the community of Bishop Lavis in Cape Town attended a Women's Health and Wellness Day in February, themed 'Spread the Word', hosted by the Division of Health Systems and Public Health in the Department of Global Health.

Apart from being screened for a range of conditions, including hypertension, diabetes mellitus, high cholesterol and obesity, the women also heard talks on women's health issues, ranging from breast care to heart and cervical health, and good nutrition.

The event, which was held at the Real Life Christian Centre in Bishop Lavis, built on an existing relationship between the Division of Health Systems and Public Health and the Bishop Lavis Action Committee (BLAC).

Professor René English, head of the Division of Health Systems and Public Health, said the event formed part of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS) and Stellenbosch University's broader social impact initiative. “In terms of this, we hope to engage and work with women in the Bishop Lavis community to support them in improving women's health and wellness, to enhance their knowledge and to co-create solutions with these amazing women in the community," she said.

“We already work closely with the BLAC, a group of community members who are responsible for providing social and other forms of support through a network of street committees, led by Mrs Beverley Fortuin. Each street committee lead is responsible for looking after a street in the area. They do a range of community-based work within their communities."

“This women's health initiative is aimed at highlighting the amazing work already done in the community. Is also provides an opportunity for academics to learn from those in the community and to identify opportunities for partnership and research. BLAC has been in action for a while and the members are very active."

English welcomed the women to the event and the author, Melanie Erasmus, was master of ceremony. Dr Therese Fish, FMHS Vice Dean: Clinical Services and Social Impact also addressed the women on the role of the university's social impact initiatives in strengthening community partnerships. She spoke about the “three P's", highlighting the importance of ongoing partnerships between the university and the community, the importance of implementing and promoting key and longstanding public health measures, and remembering that women are the pillars of our society.

Other Faculty staff who spoke at the event were Dr Jenny Edge (Head: Breast and Endocrine Surgical Unit), Ms Robyn Adams (Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology) and Ms Ronel Beukes (Department of Human Nutrition). Ms Prudence Cele from the Heart​ and Stroke Foundation of South Africa​ spoke about 'knowing your numbers'. Other non-governmental organisations represented at the event were Woman2Woman and She Matters. Health promoters from the local Bishop Lavis health facility and the Western Cape Department of Health assisted with the screening. A fitness group for seniors, StepTouch Fitness Club, gave a fitness demonstration. 

Women also had an opportunity to speak about the key health challenges they face in the community and the impact of Covid-19 on their health, access to health services and the general health of the community. Social determinants of health and gender-based violence were raised as important daily challenges that prevent women from attaining optimal health.

According to English, women in South Africa face many health challenges. “These include access to health, knowledge about preventative health measures and how to access different screening opportunities in the health services. They often need support in managing chronic diseases in their families. There are also issues related to gender-based violence which need to be addressed. From the women's perspective it is about finding the right partners to support them, and knowing who offers the relevant services in the communities. At a broad level it is about co-creating solutions through bringing our collective knowledge together to tackle some of the issues we face in our communities."

Asked why she believes such initiatives are important, English said: “I grew up in Cape Town and I understand many of the issues women in the communities face. I have come to realise that a simple explanation of the science behind a health issue can be powerful. I have witnessed how women have been transformed and empowered by information.

“I believe strongly that universities must have an impact on the communities they serve beyond educating students and creating knowledge. Universities are well placed to influence what happens at a population level. It is important that we do not just 'practice' public health from our offices, but that we go and do work on the frontlines."

English said the women's health event was one of many more future engagements between the university and the community.

English paid tribute to two members of the team who organised the event – a Stacey Blows, and Lynne Hendricks as well as the divisional administrators and staff without whom this even would not have been possible. “They are passionate about women's health issues and did all the behind-the-scenes work. It was truly a team effort," she said.​​​​