Jane will be giving a talk at our 2024 Oman Congress entitled ‘From Womb to World: Amplifying Women’s and Service Users’ Voices in Obstetrics & Gynaecology’.
Tell us about yourself and why you are attending Congress?
I’m Jane Plumb, Women’s Voices Lead and Chair of the Women’s Network for the RCOG. Our Network ensures the voices of women and other users of Obstetrics and Gynaecology services are central to everything the College does. I am also the CEO of Group B Strep Support, a charity my husband and I founded after our middle child died from Group B Strep infection in 1996. Our mission is to prevent these infections in babies.
My personal journey includes a wide range of obstetric experiences: my first child was born very preterm and spent two months in NICU and SCBU, while my third and final child was thankfully born healthy. I have also faced several gynaecological issues, giving me quite a broad, lived experience in this field.
I am attending Congress to share insights on amplifying the voices of women and service users, emphasising the importance of their input in all areas of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. I am deeply passionate about ensuring that women and people have autonomy over their bodies and medical care, and are supported in making informed choices. This event is a fantastic platform to connect with engaged professionals and advocate for these crucial issues.
Why is an event like this so important?
Events like Congress bring together diverse professionals dedicated to improving the health of women and girls. It offers an opportunity to share knowledge, discuss challenges, and explore innovative solutions. By focusing on the voices of women and service users, we can ensure practices are clinically effective, empathetic, and responsive to the needs of those using Obstetrics and Gynaecology services.
What is the most inspirational thing about attending Congress?
The most inspirational aspect of attending Congress is seeing the collective passion and commitment of professionals from around the world. It is incredibly motivating to see how dedicated everyone is to making a positive impact in Obstetrics and Gynaecology. The stories of resilience and innovation shared are a constant reminder of why those working in the field do what they do, and how they strive to improve the outcomes for the women and people in their care.
What do you think you’ll gain from attending this event?
From attending this event, I hope to gain new perspectives and ideas to bring back to the RCOG’s Women’s Network and beyond. Networking with Obstetrics and Gynaecology professionals will offer valuable insights into best practices and emerging trends. Additionally, I look forward to learning from others’ experiences and finding new ways to enhance our and others’ efforts in amplifying the voices of women and service users.
- Learn more about the first day of RCOG’s World Congress here.