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It is no secret that throughout history black people’s contributions to humanities, science, arts, and culture amongst other fields has been paramount, despite repeatedly being unrecognised and overlooked on many occasions. Even when impactfully shaping its history and outlook today, this also rings true in the field of sexual and reproductive health.
This aligns with one of our major key values here at SASH, namely breaking down barriers and increasing access to sexual health services. We believe this is every individual’s right and should be practiced comprehensively and with cultural competency and sensitivity.
For Black History Month, we’re celebrating and paying homage to these influential figures.
Dr. Dorothy Ferebee (1898-1980)
- Dr. Dorothy Ferebee was a trailblazing doctor and advocate for public health. She was integral in providing healthcare services to marginalised communities in the US, particularly Black women and children.
- She was the founder of the Mississippi Health Project, which provided medical care to thousands of Black sharecroppers in the rural US South. In addition to all of this, Dr. Ferebee was a prominent advocate for family planning and women’s reproductive rights.
Loretta Ross (1953 - present)
- Loretta Ross is a reproductive justice activist and co-founder of the SisterSong Women of Color Reproductive Justice Collective, a leading organisation championing for the reproductive needs and rights of women of colour. SisterSong coined the term ‘reproductive justice’ combining social justice and reproductive rights, launching and publishing the framework.
- Her work continuously addresses the intersections of race, gender, and economic inequalities in reproductive health. Taking her own experiences with sterilisation abuse and fighting against reproductive oppression.
Dr. Tlaleng Mofokeng “Dr. T” (1980 - present)
- Dr. Mofokeng is a South African physician and reproductive health advocate, also known as "Dr. T". Known for her distinguished work in sexual health and rights, she serves as the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Right to Health.
- Using this valuable platform, she has promoted access to sexual health services and contraception, fought against sexual violence, and advocated for the rights of marginalised communities worldwide. She has encouraged comprehensive sex education, and the de-stigmatisation of sexual health. The scope of her work reaches local, national, and international levels.
Dr. Oladapo Ladipo (1941 - present)
- Dr. Oladapo Ladipo is a Nigerian obstetrician and gynaecologist. World-acclaimed, he was elected as president of the African Federation of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (AFOG) and went on to create the Association for Reproductive & Family Health (ARFH) positively impacting over 50 million lives through public health interventions and projects
- The breadth of their projects cover sexual and reproductive health rights, maternal newborn and child health, HIV prevention and care, family planning. Dr. Ladipo’s accolades and awards including the World Health Organisation Merit and Sasakawa Health Prize highlight the impact of his crucial work.
Dr. Stella Nyanzi (1974 - present)
- A Ugandan medical anthropologist, LGBTQ+ activist, poet and feminist, Dr. Nyanzi is an outspoken advocate for sexual and reproductive health rights both within Uganda and beyond.
- Her campaigns call for comprehensive sex education, access to contraceptives, and HIV prevention. In addition, she’s known for her work in criticising the cultural and political norms which suppress women’s and LGBTQ+ communities' sexual autonomy.
- She has famously employed the strategy “radical rudeness” calling the powerful to account publicly by insulting President Museveni leading to her arrest twice – this hasn’t stopped her as even in exile she strives to return to Uganda and contribute to a brighter future.
Bisi Alimi (1975 - present)
- Bisi Alimi is a British-Nigerian LGBT rights advocate and HIV activist based in the UK. Despite this, his work has had a worldwide impact, especially in advocating for the rights of LGBTQ+ communities in Africa.
- Alimi famously faced backlash, disownment and threats following coming out on Nigerian national television. Later he fleed to the UK, was granted asylum then citizenship, worked with one of our partners NAZ Project London then subsequently went on to form the Bisi Alimi Foundation (BAF).
- Alimi’s foundation provides HIV testing, counselling, and support services to marginalised communities. He addresses stigma and discrimination and BAF, in partnership with Elton John AIDS foundation organised a Gay Pride event in Nigeria in 2019.
Nana Oye Lithur (1966 - present)
- Nana Oye Lithur is a Ghanain barrister and human rights activist whose work defends women’s rights, including reproductive health rights and has earnt her several rewards such as the Champion of Women’s Rights Award in 2012.
- During her tenure as Minister for Gender, Children, and Social Protection in Ghana from 2013-2017, she implemented policies which increased access to healthcare for women and fought against harmful practices like witches camps and child marriage.
These iconic figures showcase commitment to the ongoing plight that is improving sexual and reproductive health. Their work and achievements have utilised a vast range of different techniques and strategies highlighting education, access and rights for marginalised communities across the globe.
Despite their variation, one thing these figures do share in common is the tangible impact their work has had on millions of individual’s sexual and reproductive health and in turn, their rights and quality of life. Their trailblazing efforts worldwide have paved the way for more Black influential figures to make additional strides forward. Though there are hundreds of publications around sexual and reproductive health, most of these still lack acknowledgement of the discussed figures, their work and achievements. Perhaps we can take this opportunity to broaden the figures we admire, during Black History month and thereafter.