“Dedicated to the advancement of women's health through education and research”
Health Equality
Foundation
I founded the Health Equality Foundation (formerly Create Health Foundation) in 2000 to tackle health inequalities affecting women through research, campaigning, and advocacy.
The charity now addresses the social determinants of health, the gender health gap, inequalities in access to care, and disparities affecting underserved communities, including Black, Asian and minority ethnic individuals.
It also champions evidence-based policy change, including campaigning for fertility education to be included in the national secondary school curriculum.
Research and Reports
In March 2026, we launched Unheard, Unsafe, Unequal: Women's Voices in Crisis in Parliament - a landmark study exploring the links between women’s health, financial security and personal safety. Our findings show these challenges are deeply interconnected: we cannot improve women’s health without addressing economic insecurity, workplace inequality, and violence against women and girls.
In partnership with the NHS Confederation, we examined the economic impact of the gender health gap. Women’s Health Economics: Investing in the 51 per cent showed that investing in women’s health delivers significant returns, with an estimated £11 return for every £1 invested in women’s health services.
Women’s Health in the UK: Time for Change. Our landmark national polling revealed a healthcare system that too often fails women - leaving many unheard, dismissed, and without access to the care they need. The research exposed urgent gaps in women’s health services, including Women’s Health Hubs and support for women managing health conditions in the workplace.
Understanding the pre-pregnancy experiences of BAME women adds to the growing evidence of BAME women’s unequal experiences in pre-pregnancy and during pregnancy care. It providing clear recommendations to improve maternity care, reduce disparities, and improve outcomes for all women.
British Red Cross
I served as a Board member of the British Red Cross until January 2026, having held senior leadership roles since 2015. My work focused on improving access to health and social care, tackling health inequalities, and supporting underserved communities.
I led initiatives to expand Independent Living services for NHS patients, improve hospital discharge pathways, and develop evidence-based approaches to reduce regional health inequalities with Sir Michael Marmot, producing the report Designing for Health Equity.
I also helped drive COVID vaccine uptake among BAME communities, supported efforts to improve maternal and childcare services in refugee settings, and contributed to emergency grants for victims of the Grenfell Tower fire and London terror attacks through the London Emergencies Trust.
ISMAAR
I co-founded a UK charity, the International Scientific Society for Mild Approaches in Assisted Reproduction (ISMAAR), with Prof Rene Frydman, in 2007. Its Board members are distinguished scientists from around the world and we have supported several UK and world congresses to promote education, research and training in natural and milder approaches in fertility treatment. The WHO endorsed ISMAAR as a stakeholder in the field and the charity’s Terminology for stimulation for IVF was published in Human Reproduction and was accepted by the WHO.
Research & Innovation
