On March 12th, Ms. Melissa Labbe hosted the transformative Justice for Women event, featuring Dr. Jane Anyango. As an Assistant Professor of Nursing at Ball State University and a globally recognized leader in maternal-child health, Dr. Anyango brought over 20 years of expertise in midwifery and intimate partner violence prevention to our community. Alongside her dedicated colleagues Sureya Omari, Cathy Lee, and Marcia Sikowitz, Dr. Anyango shared her profound experience in bridging the gap between high-level policy and frontline care. Her work remains a beacon of hope for under-resourced rural areas and marginalized populations, such as the Batwa people, proving that the power of community is the most effective tool in delivering compassionate healthcare and preventing gender-based violence.
 

The event began with a small gathering in the library, where members of the Future Medical Professionals Club advised by science teacher Ms. Sarah York had the rare opportunity to engage directly with Dr. Anyango and her team. This mentorship session set the stage for a powerful auditorium presentation, where the medical professionals were joined by guest Pious Ali of the Portland City Council and a dynamic student panel featuring Muntaha Moalim, Lulu Graffius, and Safa Mohamed. Together, they explored the critical work being done globally and the urgent need for the next generation of medical providers to carry forward the torch of advocacy and equity in healthcare.