Dr Annabel Sowemimo’s talk on Decolonising Medicine in Sheffield drew around 100 people to Firth Hall at the University of Sheffield on Saturday 28 October.
Sheffield Anti–Racist Education (SHARE) hosted the event with sponsorship and support from the Equity & Inclusion Centre at the University of Sheffield, UNISON, Family Voice, Mums United, the COVID-19 Bamer group and Stand Up To Racism. We were also pleased to be joined by a number of groups with stalls.
In her presentation Annabel made a comprehensive case for the decolonisation of medicine and health care. She explained and explored the themes featured in her book ‘Divided’ (Available from Juno books, Chapel Walk, Sheffield, S1 2PD)
Annabel was very warmly received. Her presentation was informative, illuminating and inspiring. As she explained, “Decolonisation challenges the idea that there is one world view.”
Annabel added, “the issue is wider structural matters, rather than pathologising the individual or the community.” Echoing her book, ‘Divided’, Annabel detailed the racist consequences of much medical data originating in the United States.
In the Q&A Annabel was asked, ‘how can we educate healthcare professionals to put their bias to one side?’ Others posed questions about how to engage with the health system and practitioners to challenge racism in health, both during interactions and subsequent outcomes. Annabel emphasised that, “change needs to be inbuilt, not just individualised.”
The event brought together a broad range of people committed to anti-racism. There were lots of medical students, alongside activists from local communities, academics, doctors, public health figures and others.
At the end of Annabel’s talk people stayed to share ideas and buy signed copies of her book. Thirty-five copies were sold on the Juno Books stall.
Participants were keen to be informed about future events on the theme of Decolonising Medicine and health.
SHARE is keen to follow up opportunities for collaboration on training and education in health and medicine as part of its work on decolonisation and anti-racist education. We hope the event will be a catalyst for new connections and campaigning.
If you are interested to extend discussions and develop plans for change, please contact SHARE with your thoughts and suggestions.
SHARE can be contacted on sheffieldantiracisteducation@gmail.com
Sheffield Anti-Racist Education SHARE 