Serenity Sisterhood Celebration

20 November 2024

When information and resources are provided with cultural awareness and sensitivity, particularly health information, the impact can be life changing. It takes conscious effort to keep cancer screening rates high and consistent by groups like the Pacific Women's Professional & Business Network. They recently ran the Screen-Save-Thrive program to provide culturally appropriate and safe screening environments. The initiative offered group information sessions and screenings for breast and cervical cancer, with additional support for bowel screening. Since May, they have registered 175 women for screening sessions, and hosting over 500 attendees at events. The program culminated in the Serenity Sisterhood Celebration, which honoured lives lost, celebrated the remarkable resilience of survivors and recognised their collective achievements. I was honoured to attend the Serenity Sisterhood Celebration and join an environment full of joy, encouragement and empowerment – and try the various wellbeing activities on offer. The Pacific Women's Professional and Business Network has strongly advocated for Pasifika communities since its establishment in 2017. I acknowledge the PWBPBN Board, speakers Dr Olataga-Olafavie Doorbinnia and Adriana Popovic from BreastScreen; and Sharda Jogia, Tele, the GW Netball girls and South Pacific Aromas for running mindfulness activities.