QMYOU Alumni Magazine QMYOU 87 Issue 11 | Page 17

QMU alumni awarded MBE for services to migrant women A N ALUMNI OF Queen Margaret University (QMU), Edinburgh, has been awarded a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to migrant women. Gambian-born Fatou Baledh, who studied an MSc in Sexual and Reproductive Health at QMU, is one of Scotland’s most well- known and knowledgeable female genital mutilation (FGM) activists. Fatou was forced to have the procedure herself at the age of seven in her home country. As a long-standing campaigner against FGM in Scotland, and having researched NHS Scotland obstetric care for women who have experienced FGM, she has worked on FGM in Gambia and is a change-maker within her community. She is a women’s rights advocate and founder of Women in Liberation and Leadership (WILL) – a non-profit organisation with experience addressing violence against women and girls, sexual and reproductive health and rights, psychosocial support, gender justice, advocacy, research and implementation in Gambia. Fatou also serves as a Trustee with the Dignity Alert and Research Forum (DARF) in Edinburgh, which works to uphold the dignity and human rights of African women, children and young people. LGB cancer patients’ care to be investigated T HE SPECIFIC NEEDS of lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) people who have experienced cancer is to be the focus of a new national study in Scotland. Currently, information about the sexual orientation of patients who have undergone cancer treatment is not captured by the NHS. This study will be the first research project in Scotland to look at the experience of LGB people who have received treatment for cancer. The aim is to better understand the experiences that LGB people have had during their cancer care journey and to Fatou said: “Studying an MSc at QMU challenged me to look at the socio-cultural issues that affect the sexual and reproductive health and rights of women around the world. establish if services need to be adapted to meet LGB patient care needs. Gareth Hill, Head of Therapeutic Radiography at Ninewells Hospital, Dundee is conducting this research as part of his PhD at Queen Margaret University. He is looking for 12 people over the age of 18, who have undergone cancer treatment in the last 10 years in Scotland, to participate in the study. He explained: “Statistic show that LGB people are more likely to experience isolation and mental health problems than heterosexuals, so LGB individuals may have care and support needs that are not being met by our current service provision. “We want to encourage people to reflect on their experience of cancer treatment. We need to treat people as individuals so that we can truly develop services that focus on person-centred care rather than a ‘one size fits all’ approach.” He continued: “Homosexual acts were only decriminalised in Scotland in 1980 and same sex marriage was just legalised in 2014. Therefore, many LGB people will have spent large proportions of their lives not being open about their sexuality. Over the last decade, In doing so, it gave me the lenses to look deep within my culture including a practice that was entrenched in my beliefs from a very young age as a religious obligation that was necessary for girls to undergo FGM.” “I am pleased that the work I have been doing has been recognised and I feel very honoured about the MBE award. "This means so much for all survivors of FGM and it’s very encouraging for activist who are involved in fighting against sexual and gender-based violence.” Oonagh O’Brien, Lecturer at the Institute of Global Health and Development (IGHD) at QMU, said how proud all the staff at the Institute are of Fatou’s work. “Her dissertation on obstetric care in Scotland and FGM made a strong contribution, along with other activists, to the development of a Scottish Action Plan to prevent and eradicate female genital mutilation (FGM), and changes in the law which have brought Scotland into line with the rest of the UK on protecting young girls from FGM being carried out," said Oonagh. “Fatou’s own personal commitment to the issue resulted in her giving enormous amounts of personal time and attention to affected women and families, and this MBE is very well deserved.” ❒ there has been a massive cultural shift, but there are still people who struggle to discuss their sexuality and its impact on different aspects of their lives. We need to be mindful of people’s individual circumstances relating to possible lack of family support, loneliness, isolation and other health issues.” Gareth has been delighted by the enthusiastic reception his study has received from health professionals and different organisations. He explained: “It is NHS policy in Scotland to deliver person-centred care. If LGB people’s sexual orientation is an important part of the cancer care experience, we need to understand their values, beliefs and culture to better support individuals through the process.” This study has been made possible by a grant of £25k from the College of Radiographers Research Industry Partnership Scheme (CoRRIPS). Gareth was successful in securing one of only two doctorial fellowships provided by the CoRRIPS each year. To find out more about the study contact Gareth Hill at [email protected]. ❒ QMYOU / Health & Rehabilitation 17