OUR STORY
Behind the Scenes
We started by looking at why black women die 5 times more, and we found it is representation. Only 4% of textbook images refer to non-white skin- the same condition on our skin, with our tone- becomes lost. Doctors have not been trained on that, and this has been recognised.
But now imagine, putting that power back in the hands of the doctors, the educators and the public to know, show and tell that this is what is killing us. That would be a big win. For now.
Think of the future though, healthcare, recruitment, even driving will likely be delegated to Artificial Intelligence, and we know from the news coverage that there is a diversity problem in AI data sets. Not due to malicious intent, but because the motivation and action to make it truly inclusive has not materialised.
This sows the seeds for future discrimination, for a system of diminishing returns that segregates the world and systematically excludes those who look different.
Unless representation from the teaching stage, whether it is a medical student or an algorithm is inclusive, it will never be equal.
We need to RISE to this challenge before we violate the principles already in law through unconscious bias.
RISE is a young non-for-profit lead by experienced professionals who have come together to have an impact on this real issue.