By Ilaria Biancacci, Journalist and Founder of Wempower
For too long, women have been told their pain is “all in their head.” We’ve walked out of doctor’s offices feeling dismissed, our concerns brushed aside like we’re just being dramatic. “It’s just hormones,” they say. “Try to relax.” Sound familiar? It’s not just a bad day at the clinic; it’s medical misogyny, plain and simple, and we’re calling it out.
At Wempower, we’re launching “Fobbed Off and Female,” an investigative series that’s more than just reporting—it’s a full-blown battle cry. We’re tired of a system that treats women’s health as an afterthought, where our suffering is met with patronizing smiles and a prescription for “rest.” We’re done with the gaslighting, the dismissive shrugs, and the blatant disregard for our lived experiences.
This series will dive deep into the trenches of medical injustice. We’ll expose how chronic conditions like endometriosis and PCOS are routinely misdiagnosed, how childbirth experiences are often traumatic, and how ignoring women’s symptoms can have deadly consequences. We’ll name names, hold institutions accountable, and shine a light on the biases that leave too many women behind.
“Fobbed Off and Female” isn’t just about documenting the problem; it’s about igniting change. We’ll be asking the hard questions, challenging the status quo, and demanding a healthcare system that finally listens. We won’t settle for empty promises and condescending nods. We are here to amplify the voices of women who’ve been silenced in sterile hospital rooms and ignored in GP offices.
This project hits close to home. Late last year, Rebecca, one of Wempower’s first interns, came to me with the idea. As she laid out her vision, I felt an instant connection. It resonated with my struggles with endometriosis and the countless stories I’ve heard from women whose pain has been trivialized. I knew we had to do this.
It wasn’t a question of “if,” but “when.” And ‘when’ is now, during Endometriosis Awareness Month. Launching this series at this time is a deliberate choice, a powerful statement. This series is about reclaiming our dignity and demanding the respect we deserve. We’re not just telling stories; we’re pushing for real, tangible change. We’re demanding a healthcare system that treats women with the urgency and compassion they’ve been denied for far too long.
We’re inviting you to join us on this journey.
Because we are done being silent.
We are done being dismissed.
And we will not be fobbed off any longer.
To read more inspiring stories of everyday women making a real difference in the world, be sure to check out the latest edition of Wempower magazine, listen to our podcast, or sign up to our weekly newsletter.
