Production gets Below the Belt to focus on endometriosis

It is time to devote more resources to research and educating people about critical women’s issues of endometriosis and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), says Dr Rashida Daisley.

The  President of the Barbados Association of Endometriosis and PCOS (BAEP) said there is a dire need for increased funding for research, better education for medical professionals and improved access to care and support for those living with endometriosis.

On May 17, all attention was turned to the often painful plight of woman, when the association, in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Caribbean Sub-Regional Office, hosted the ground-breaking documentary Below the Belt at The Walled Garden Theatre located at the Barbados Museum & Historical Society. 

President Daisley MBBS, MPH, said the documentary would be beneficial for Barbadians to understand how many women in Barbados, the Caribbean and the world battle endometriosis and other gynaecological issues.

[caption id="attachment_391251" align="alignnone" width="520"] President of the Barbados Association of Endometriosis and PCOS, Dr. Rashida Daisley.[/caption]

“Endometriosis is a disease where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows in other parts of the body causing pain, infertility, and organ dysfunction. The impact of endometriosis extends beyond the physical implications as it has a significant effect on the social, mental, and emotional health of those with the condition in their communities,” Dr Dailey explained.  “The journey to improve endometriosis care begins with awareness. Together we can make a difference. It is time to act on this critical issue,” she said. 

The film was directed and produced by Shannon Cohn and executively produced by former United States Secretary of State, Hilary Clinton, as well as actresses Rosario Dawson, and Corrine Fox.

“When our organisation first watched it, we saw many experiences with endometriosis represented in the film. It provides everyone who watches it with an inside look into the lives of many persons who are navigating endometriosis symptoms, diagnosis, and management,” said co-Founder and Chair of the Board, Julia Mandeville, MPH, BSc.

“ It would be remiss of us not to highlight that Shannon Cohn was inspired by her experience with endometriosis and the experience of others as she strongly believes that there is this deep social justice issue at the heart of endometriosis where an entire community has been virtually ignored by medicine.

 “She therefore decided to make films to answer several burning questions: How can a menstrual taboo still be so pervasive globally in the 21st Century? Why are women still relegated to the average ten-year delay to diagnosis? And, importantly, what can be done about it?” This is also how we at the BAEP felt and it was why we reached out to Shannon in November 2022 to discuss how we could bring this film to Barbados,” Mandeville explained.

The free event was emceed by radio personality Astra Babb and there was a packed house made up of interested members of the public, the medical fraternity and members of other key UN agencies including UN Women and the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO).  Using a video recording, former Secretary of State, Hilary Clinton introduced the film noting that the ground-breaking production will shine a bright light on endometriosis.

Many attendees sang the praises of the film and the screening event including podiatrist Simon McConnie of Comfeet Footcare Clinic. “This was an amazing event, and a great opportunity to support all these women on their journey and educate those who are in the dark.,” McConnie said after attending the screening. 

There was also a panel discussion with Ob/Gyn Dr Eltora Bennett, Reproductive Medicine Specialist Dr Roberta Corona, Psychologist Mrs Brenda Roach, Programme Director of the Centre of Endometriosis Care, Mrs Heather Guidone, and Vice President of the BAEP, Ms Chante Warden which discussed the urgent issues presented by the film. The panel was moderated by Dr Daisley and lecturer in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the UWI, Dr Damian Best.

Dr Daisley thanked the sponsors who made the event possible. “We want to take this opportunity to thank The Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc, BioConnect Medical Centre, The Barbados Museum and Historical Society, ABC Express Couriers Inc, Green Acres Venue, RDW Productions, 166 & Co. Film Production Group, the Barbados Family Planning Association, Resilia Accounting Services, Digicel Business, UN Women Caribbean, Mindful Movement Pelvic Health Physiotherapy, Rebalance Chat, Clarity XP Inc and of course UNFPA Caribbean, because without them an event of this magnitude would not have been possible!”. 

(Write Right PR Services) ]]>