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Better together.

On Our Own Terms (OOOT) is an initiative of the Black Women’s Health Imperative (BWHI). OOOT is an informed network of organizations and experts who are focused on the prevention of HIV for, by and about Black cis and transgender women, as well as the care and treatment of women living with HIV.

Gianna
why now

We simply don’t have time to waste.

According to the latest available data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 60 percent of all new HIV diagnoses in the US are among Black women. While their rates of infection are finally dropping (by 25 percent), we still have the highest rates among all women. In fact, Black women still have nearly 15 times the rate as their white counterparts, and five times the rate of Latinas. Black women and women of color must finally be a priority in policy and action in the prevention of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.

Our work combines evidence-based practices, cross-sector collaborations and the strengthening of community assets to lift up the sexual health and well being of Black women. OOOT is highlighting our mutual abilities to deliver innovative solutions and make a lasting investment in prevention.

We’ve teamed up with legendary actress Keshia Knight Pulliam for a PSA urging you to Own Your Ish when it comes to your sexual health!

87%
of Black women living with HIV contracted HIV through heterosexual contact
51%
of HIV diagnoses were among African American Transgender women in 2014.
KESHIA video

Resources & Tools

OOOT Video PHAB cast episode 1
PhabCast Episode 1 Teaser 3
PhabCast Episode 1 Teaser 2

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It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the passing of BWHI friend and steadfast ally, Norma Meras Swenson—a true pioneer in the global women’s health movement. A co-founder of Our Bodies Ourselves, Norma co-authored most editions of the groundbreaking book Our Bodies, Ourselves, a transformative guide on women’s health and sexuality.

A mentor to our founder, Byllye Avery, Norma was a vital force in shaping the foundation of the Black women’s health movement. Her unwavering commitment to justice and equity helped empower generations of women around the world.

We honor her legacy and continue the work she championed—with gratitude and purpose.

#WomensHealth #BlackWomensHealth #BWHI #TheImperative
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MSK Week is coming, and this year, we’re celebrating the 10th Anniversary of My Sister’s Keeper! @nationalmsk 💜

For MSK week, we’ll be highlighting the incredible journey of My Sister's Keeper—honoring the past, celebrating milestones and achievements, uplifting current chapters and members, and giving you a glimpse of what’s next for the program. 🌟

Stay tuned for all the exciting things we have in store as we continue to empower and uplift each other. Here’s to 10 years of sisterhood, growth, and making a lasting impact in the community! 🙌🏾

#MSKWeek #10YearsStrong #MySistersKeeper #BlackWomensHealth #BWHI #TheImperative
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It’s National Women’s Health Week, and the theme is “Prioritizing Women’s Health: Caring for Mind and Body” led by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Office on Women’s Health (OWH).

For Black women, this week is a reminder that our health matters, and we deserve a holistic approach to care—one that nurtures both our physical and mental well-being. Advocacy groups are crucial in fighting for our health, ensuring we have access to the resources, support, and care we need to thrive.

Let’s continue to prioritize our health and support organizations that stand up for Black women’s health. It's time to take control, seek the care we deserve, and make sure our voices are heard. 💪🏾

#WomensHealthWeek #PrioritizeYourHealth #BlackWomenHealth #MentalHealthMatters #Advocacy #HealthEquity #BWHI #TheImperative
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Motherhood….You clock in the moment you wake up and never clock out. That “break” you’re looking for? It’s a myth. It’s a full-time gig that doesn’t even give you a lunch break! But hey, the snuggles and “I love yous” make it all worth it. 😘 💜

📸 @thelisters85

#MomLife #NoDaysOff #BlackWomensHealth #BWHI #TheImperative
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🗣️ ATLANTA! The rules are shifting—from disinformation online to rollbacks in public health—and our communities need real tools to push back.

Join us Saturday, May 17 | 10 AM–1:30 PM at Pittsburgh Yards for a free, in-person event that’s all about protecting your peace and powering up your voice.

🎤 Live convo with Rose Scott & WABE
🧠 Mental health panel with licensed mom-therapists
🔍 Truth training to help you spot misinformation
📣 Advocacy tips that actually work

Free lunch. Real talk. Limited seats.
Pull up and bring a friend.

👉🏾 RSVP now: powerplay.bwhi.org

#BlackWomensHealth #ATLEvents #NationalWomensHealthWeek #BWHI #TruthPowerHealing
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Happy Mother’s Day to all the amazing women out there—birth moms, chosen moms, aunties, grandmas, and every woman who nurtures and loves with a full heart.

Today, we celebrate YOU, your strength, resilience, and love. But we’re also holding space for those who are grieving or navigating tough journeys through motherhood. Whether you’ve lost a mother, faced challenges in your own path, or are just learning to care for yourself, we see you and honor your experience.

Take a moment to rest, reflect, and feel seen today. You are loved, you are enough. #HappyMothersDay #MothersDay #BWHI #TheImperative
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Big news in the fight against cervical cancer!

The FDA has approved the Teal Wand, the first-ever at-home cervical cancer screening kit, and it’s a game-changer! 🙌🏾

The Teal Wand allows you to test for HPV (one of the leading causes of cervical cancer) at home, without needing an in-person pap smear. It’s a huge step toward making healthcare more accessible and empowering us to take control of our health.

Teal Health is rolling this out this summer, and we are here for it! To learn more about this groundbreaking tool and how it can make a difference, click the link in our bio.

#CervicalCancerAwareness #HPVTesting #BlackWomensHealth #BWHI #TheImperative
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😂😂😂 @shayhairmuseum

Mother’s Day is almost here… and you already know moms act when they get their gifts! Cue the tears, hugs, and full Oscar-worthy speech.

No matter the reaction—just know, she felt the love!
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The Level The Court campus tour was a huge success! 🙌🏾We hit HBCU college campuses to inform and empower students about their reproductive health.

The partnership with @wnba, @opill_otc, and @blkwomenshealth brought real conversations, resources, and special guests like @napheesa24, @airswooopes22, @dijonai, @theperioddoctor, and @tcross_md.

We’re proud of the impact and just getting started! Learn more at wnba.com/levelthecourt

#LevelTheCourt #ReproductiveHealth #BWHI #WNBA #Opill #BlackWomensHealth
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We created this just for us, sis. Your health journey should always feel supported, empowering, and rooted in community. 💪🏾

BWHI’s Diabetes Self-Management Support Program is culturally tailored for Black women living with type 2 diabetes. We’re here to give you the tools, tips, and real support you need to thrive, not just survive. You’ll be paired with a trained Lifestyle Coach and connect with a group of women who truly get it—because managing diabetes should never be a solo journey. 💜

✨ Bonus: It’s always better with your people! Grab your mama, cousin, or bestie, sign up together, and join us Sunday, May 11th! When Black women support each other, we win!

Click the 🔗 in our bio.
#BWHI #DiabetesSupport #BlackWomenHealth #ThrivingNotSurviving
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Today is Free the Pill Day, and we’re celebrating the power of choice! 💪🏾 In partnership with the @wnba and @opill_otc , we are working to make daily over-the-counter birth control pills accessible to those who need it most. This access fund offers a 3-month free supply of Opill—the first over-the-counter daily birth control pill—to Black women facing life challenges that make reproductive health harder to prioritize.

From caregiving and education to health conditions or financial struggles, we see you, and we’ve got you. Level the Court, is here to close the gap in access and give you the power to make decisions about your health.

Because reproductive health should never be a luxury—it’s a right. #FreeThePill #BlackWomensHealthImperative
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It’s time for some important education about Bacterial Vaginosis (BV). 🚨 Recent studies show that BV is actually a sexually transmitted infection not just a common vaginal imbalance as many thought.

This change in understanding means it’s even more important to practice safe sex and prioritize sexual health. If you’re experiencing symptoms like unusual discharge, odor, or irritation, don’t hesitate to speak with your healthcare provider. Early treatment is key! 💡

Click the link in our bio to read the study the New England Journal of Medicine. #SexualHealthAwareness #BlackWomensHealth #BWHI #TheImperative
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💜 Lupus Awareness is Critical 💜

If you’re Black, you’re at higher risk for getting the disease—and having worse outcomes. Lupus affects Black women at even higher rates, but it often goes undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. Understanding the symptoms—like fatigue, joint pain, and skin rashes—is the first step in managing this condition. If you’re experiencing any of these signs, don't wait. Advocate for yourself and seek care.

We’re stronger when we stand together, and there are resources available to help navigate the journey with lupus. Let’s raise awareness and support each other.

Click the link in our bio to hear from medical experts about Lupus and what we need to know 💪🏾 #LupusAwareness #BlackWomenHealth #BWHI #TheImperative
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A huge thank you to @pamelad_price for capturing the essence of The First 100 Days Virtual Townhall! 🙌🏾 Your lens perfectly showcased the power and impact of this event. The conversations were real, the energy was unmatched, and the commitment to change was clear.

If you missed it or want to revisit the powerful moments, the replay is now available on our YouTube channel. ✨

Link in our bio to watch and be part of the conversation that’s moving us forward. 💪🏾 #First100Days #BWHI #BlackWomensHealth #TheImperative
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Happy Nurses Week! 💜 Shoutout to all the incredible nurses who show up every single day with strength, compassion, and resilience. From the bedside to the community, you are the backbone of healthcare, and your work goes far beyond just administering care—you bring love, empathy, and a sense of healing to all those you touch.

Your commitment, especially in the face of challenges, inspires us all. Thank you for your tireless work in shaping the future of healthcare, advocating for those who need it most, and being the heartbeat of our communities. You are seen, you are appreciated, and we are grateful for everything you do! 🙏🏾💪🏾

📸: @nicunursekey

#BlackNurses #NursesWeek #HealthcareHeroes #BlackWomenInMedicine #BlackWomensHealth #BWHI #TheImperative
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Art by @jekafe 🙌🏾🙌🏾

As a Black woman, it can often feel like the weight of the world is on our shoulders. We face challenges that sometimes feel insurmountable—society’s expectations, the burden of generational trauma, systemic oppression, and the constant fight to be heard and valued. There are days when we feel broken, worn down, like we are carrying a load that no one truly sees. But even in these moments of exhaustion, we keep going. We keep fighting. We keep showing up for ourselves, our families, and our communities.

But during Mental Health Awareness Month, it’s important to remember that we deserve peace too. We deserve to prioritize our mental health and nurture our well-being. Here are a few ways to begin:

✨ Check in with yourself daily – Even 5 minutes of quiet reflection can help reset your mind. Ask yourself: How am I feeling? What do I need?

✨ Say no without guilt – Protect your boundaries. Your time and energy are precious. You don’t owe anyone an explanation for choosing YOU.

✨ Move your body, your way – Whether it’s a walk, stretching, or dancing in your kitchen, movement helps release stress and boost your mood. Find what feels good for you.

✨ Reach out for support – Therapy is not a weakness, it’s power. Seek out culturally competent therapists who see you, who understand your experiences, and who can guide you on your healing journey.

We are strong, resilient, and worthy of peace. Let’s make space for ourselves, because we can’t pour from an empty cup. You’re not broken, sis—you’re just human, and you’re doing the best you can. 💜

Check our latest blog with resources for your Mental Health! 🔗 in our bio

#MentalHealthAwareness #SelfCare #BlackWomensHealth #BWHI #TheImperative
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