‘They are not bad words’ – GP who shot to Instagram fame continues fight to ‘break stigma’ around reproductive health with Birmingham event

By Kirsty-Louise Card

'They are not bad words' - GP who shot to Instagram fame continues fight to 'break stigma' around reproductive health with Birmingham event

The event, organised by Talks with Sesay and Glacie Health, promises interactive challenges that blend physical play with powerful education, from 鈥渟printing through the cervix鈥 to dodging common myths and untangling medical misinformation.

Organisers say participants will leave 鈥渋nformed, inspired, and energised鈥, as the course seeks to break down taboos around menstruation and reproductive health in an engaging, family-friendly way.

Among them is social media star and GP Dr. Aziza Sesay, who recently took to the streets on Birmingham to spread the word about the event, which is set to take place at Cannon Hill Park from 10am to 12pm on Saturday.

On Instagram, she wrote: “It鈥檚 all about education, fun, camaraderie and destigmatising. We took to the streets of @birmingham.city to speak to the general public – find out what they learnt (or didn鈥檛) and how they felt about gynae health.

“Please help us share and spread the word about the event this Saturday and the campaign. It鈥檚 all for a good cause with net proceeds of the event going towards funding menstrual health workshops in Sierra Leone. Learn, Get fit and donate to a great cause. It鈥檚 a no brainer.”

Attendees are encouraged to wear their 鈥淭hey Are Not Bad Words鈥 T-shirts on the day to spark conversation and show solidarity. For those who don鈥檛 yet own one, T-shirts will be available to buy at the event or can be ordered online in advance alongside ticket purchases.

Proceeds from sales will go directly towards menstrual health workshops in Sierra Leone, which organisers say are transforming education and tackling stigma for women and girls.

A spokesperson said: 鈥淭his unique event brings together teams to learn, laugh, and dismantle stigma 鈥 all while supporting menstrual health education. It鈥檚 about saying the words out loud and changing the conversation, one obstacle at a time.鈥

For more information and to purchase T-shirts in support of the cause, visit Eventbrite.

Why does the campaign exist? Dr Aziza Sesay says:

“To protect our children – teaching them the correct terminology from a young age not only boosts their confidence, provides healthy relationships about their body parts, encourages open and honest conversations about these things but most importantly, it protects them from sexual abuse and exploitation.To remove the shame and taboo associated with the words so more women will come forward about their problems, end the suffering (often in silence), improve outcomes and hopefully save lives.So that when people do come forward, they can confidently describe the area in which they are experiencing symptoms that way they get the right care they need and deserve.”

Read More…