Neelam founded Cysters in 2015 as a way to challenge some of the misconceptions and stigma around reproductive health, particularly for marginalised and racialised groups. It started off as a Facebook group and has evolved to become a community-led charity which aims to address some of the systemic barriers to better health outcomes.
In this episode, Neelam's fierce dedication to improving reproductive health outcomes alongside her own lived experience come through poignantly as she shares the journey of Cysters, including its challenges and successes, as well as the significance of its core values of community, collaboration, care, and confidence. We also explore taboos in our communities, notably among South Asian women, discussing progress made and hopes for the next generation.
I ask Neelam about Cysters' mobilisation initiatives and outreach campaigns to raise awareness and empower harder to reach communities to speak openly about their health and have a seat at the decision-making table, such as "Chai and Chat" and "Cysters Smear," including its work to influence public health policy.
To join the Cysterhood, visit @cystersgroup on Instagram or www.cysters.org.
Season 6: Ep 46 - Two Chickpeas on podcasting, storytelling, and resetting expectations as second and third generation South Asians
Season 6: Ep 44 - In conversation with Mitali Dargani on outward success, inner flaws, and straddling stability with taking risks
Season 6: Ep 43 - The motherhood juggle: redefining the narrative and finding ways to enjoy the present
Season 6: Ep 42 - Seetal Kaur on motherhood: learning and unlearning from traditions, defying complete selflessness and setting good examples
Season 6: Ep 41 - In conversation with Sairish Hussain on finding inspiration, original storytelling and navigating the publishing industry
TRAILER: Season 6
Season 5: Ep 40 - March Muses founders Alison Burton and Natalie Duvall on Dragons’ Den, and balancing entrepreneurialism, motherhood and creativity
Season 5: Ep 39 - Navigating “mum-guilt”, anxiety and life as a stay-at-home mum
Season 5: EP 38 - In conversation with Jane Chelliah: Feminist mothering, identity loss and empty nest syndrome
Season 5: Ep 37 - Pregnant Then Screwed Founder Joeli Brearley on pregnancy discrimination, fixing childcare and creating a fairer workplace for mothers
TRAILER - Season 5
Season 4: Ep 36 - Dina Begum on the symbolism of food, Bangladeshi hospitality and our favourite dishes
Season 4: Ep 35 - Urban planning, spatial inequalities and feminist cities
Season 4: Ep 34 - Dr Lisa Mckenzie on being a Working Class Academic, the myth of Social Mobility, and defining “Cultural Capital”
Season 4: Ep 33 - In conversation with Nijjor Manush: the Gentrification of Brick Lane, British-Bangladeshi Identity and the media's invalidation of Muslim women.
Season 4: Ep 32 - Modern Dating, long-term relationships, and the importance of slowing down post-pandemic
Season 4: Ep 31 - How do we build a more diverse, representative and fairer teaching curriculum?
TRAILER - Season 4
Season 3: Ep 30 - Raising the visibility of disability through advocacy, accessibility and destigmatisation
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