Vital Signs Survey: A landmark initiative to amplify Black women’s health outcomes

BY PAUL JUNOR

The Black Women’s Institute for Health (BWIH) has launched a pioneering national survey dedicated to understanding the health and well-being of Black women in Canada. This survey is an unprecedented effort to center the voices and experiences of Black women and girls—voices that have historically been marginalized and overlooked. The BWIH frames the survey as a response to this long-standing invisibility, with the message: “How are you doing, sis?”

As Kearie Daniel, Executive Director and Founder of BWIH, explains in a promotional video, the Voices UnHeard Survey marks the first time in Canadian history that Black women and girls, aged 16 and older, are being systematically asked about their experiences in areas like healthcare, mental health, finances, education, and the workplace.

“This survey is an opportunity to share our experiences openly—experiences that we often keep to ourselves, such as gender-based violence or domestic violence,” Daniel says. “By sharing these stories, we can only drive change.” The survey is anonymous, but the BWIH emphasizes the importance of honesty and widespread participation to ensure that the data accurately reflects the community’s needs.

The survey is designed not just to gather information, but to act as a vital “check-in” for the Black community. The BWIH describes it as a “comprehensive pulse-taking” that seeks to understand the aspects of life that matter most to Black women. The central focus of the Voices UnHeard Survey is “Understanding Our Reality,” with the goal of providing a clear and actionable picture of the challenges faced by Black women across Canada.

Goals of the Voices UnHeard Survey

The Voices UnHeard Survey has a multifaceted mission, with two key goals:

1. Illuminate and Advocate
   The survey aims to spotlight the real challenges facing Black women and girls, using the gathered data to advocate for policy changes and legislative reform. This isn’t just about raising awareness; it’s about creating tangible shifts in how systems respond to the needs of Black women and girls.
2. Connect and Guide
   In addition to gathering data, the survey seeks to strengthen the connections between Black women and provide a framework for systemic change. The insights gained will help identify clear pathways for improving support, policies, and services that better recognize and address the needs of the community.

By participating in this survey, Black women and girls are not only voicing their realities but also contributing to a larger movement aimed at creating long-lasting change. As Daniel emphasizes, “We can raise our voices, share our experiences, and drive the change we need to improve our health, safety, and well-being.”

Any Black women and girls interested in completing the survey can access the link at:  https://bwhealthinstitute.com/voices-unheard/