Celebrating a Decade of Empowerment: The White Dress Project's Empowerment Experience in Washington, DC
By Katherine Harper and Mykelle Richburg
As The White Dress Project celebrates its ten-year anniversary, we reflect on the incredible journey we've had and the success of our latest Empowerment Experience in Washington, DC. Over three enlightening days, we welcomed guests from around the world to discuss fibroids, promote education, and foster a supportive community. This year’s event marked a milestone for our organization, as we gathered with over 100 attendees, including family members, participants, and medical professionals, all united by a common goal: to break the silence surrounding fibroids and reproductive health.
Educated
Our conference kicked off with an exclusive screening of "Me, Period," a powerful project by the Black Women’s Health Initiative. This film, led by President Linda Goler Blount and featuring insights from Dr. Charis Chambers, known as "The Period Doctor," opened an honest dialogue about women’s reproductive health. The screening was not only about viewing the film, but also engaging in meaningful discussions about destigmatizing menstruation and empowering women to speak openly about their health. This set a tone of transparency and curiosity that permeated the entire weekend.
Throughout the event, guests had the opportunity to attend exclusive doctor panels, gaining valuable insights into the latest research on fibroids and treatment options. The "Dialogue with the Doctors" panel featured a diverse group of healthcare professionals, including Obstetrician-Gynecologists, Interventional Radiologists, Mental Health Therapists, Fertility Specialists, and Wellness Experts. This panel provided a comprehensive overview of fibroid management, from medical and surgical interventions to holistic approaches, enabling attendees to make informed decisions about their health.
Empowered
At The White Dress Project, patient advocacy is at the heart of everything we do. Our Empowerment Experience underscored the power of storytelling and self-advocacy. Influencer panels discussed navigating women’s health issues like PCOS, fibroids, and maternal health, creating a space of trust and vulnerability. The discussions reaffirmed that all experiences and feelings about fibroids are valid and that no one should feel isolated in their journey. The presence of allies, including male friends and family members, further emphasized the importance of support networks in advocating for women’s reproductive health.
Excellence
The pinnacle of our Empowerment Experience was the Night in White Gala, where we raised $3,000 to further our mission. We honored several individuals with the Blossom Awards for their outstanding contributions to fibroids advocacy and broader reproductive health awareness. Honorees included Linda Goler Blount, Dr. Charis Chambers, Corinne Foxx, Dr. Taraneh Shirazian, Dr. Tiffany Jones, and a posthumous award for Henrietta Lacks, accepted by her descendants.
Theme: Power Through Knowledge, Knowing Yourself, Advocating for Yourself and Others
The theme of this year’s conference encapsulated our mission to empower individuals through education and self-awareness. We wear white to symbolize purity and new beginnings, rejecting the stigma and shame often associated with fibroids. This color represents our confidence and commitment to redefining how we view and care for our bodies. With that in mind, during our Empowerment Experience we were sure to highlight notable findings from our 2023 survey which revealed significant gaps in education and communication about fibroids. Many women, even those experiencing symptoms like heavy bleeding, are not fully aware of fibroids. Of those unfamiliar with fibroids, over a third experiencing symptoms did not plan to seek follow-up care. Additionally, discussions about reproductive health remain stigmatized, with 75% of respondents feeling uncomfortable discussing these issues with men, outside of medical professionals or partners. Furthermore, we are in the process of publishing a manuscript that details findings from the surveys and we were able to highlight the profound impact of fibroids on quality of life, with 67% of respondents reporting a negative impact due to stress from appointments and lack of support. Notably, Black women are disproportionately affected, developing fibroids at earlier ages and experiencing more severe symptoms. This highlights the intersectional nature of fibroid and reproductive health issues, underscoring the need for targeted education and support.
The White Dress Project's Empowerment Experience was a testament to the strength and resilience of those affected by fibroids. As we continue to grow and advocate for better awareness and treatment, we remain committed to our mission of building a community centered on education, empowerment, and excellence. Here's to ten more years of breaking the silence and supporting one another on our health journeys.