BLOOM SPEAKERS

Colorful bunting flags hanging on a string against a green background.

  • Dr Emma Evans is a Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Clinical Researcher specializing in pelvic pain and women’s health.  Emma has over 20 years' experience of working as a clinical psychologist in the NHS and she has a longstanding interest in women's health. Both her clinical and research work focus on persistent pelvic pain, including endometriosis-associated pain and chronic primary pelvic pain. In her clinical role, she works for the NHS (Oxford University Hospitals NHS FT) as part of a gynaecology-based interdisciplinary team providing healthcare for women with persistent pelvic pain. She is linked with the Pain in Women and EndoCare research groups in the Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford.   Emma is an accredited Cognitive Behavioural Therapist (CBT), trained mindfulness (MBCT) teacher, and also draws on compassion focus therapy (CFT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in her clinical work. She is committed to improving healthcare for women and believes working in partnership with people with lived experience is key for this. 

  • Dr Marti Balaam (PhD, MSc, PgCert Prof Ed, BA Hons, RGN, RNT, FHEA) is a healthcare educationalist, researcher, nurse and applied social scientist whose career spans more than 30 years across medical, nursing, health, and social care education. She is currently the Director of Professionalism within the undergraduate medical programme at the University of Edinburgh, a Senior Lecturer in Medical Education and Senior Lecturer in Nursing Studies and the co-lead for student experience in the Edinburgh Medical School 300-year project.  

  • Karen Hobbs is the number one fan of her vagina and became the nation’s (self-appointed) cervical cancer sweetheart after she was diagnosed with the disease at 24. One year later, she did her first stand-up set about the (w)hole debacle.  

     

    She has written articles for The Independent, iPaper, Huffington Post, The Telegraph and Glamour Magazine. Karen has been interviewed by BBC Radio 1, Radio 4 Woman's Hour, Radio 5 Live, Talk Radio, BBC News, ITV News, Sky News, London Live and The Evening Standard. Karen works with The Eve Appeal, the UK's leading gynaecological cancer charity, taking every opportunity to talk about signs, symptoms and using comedy to squash the stigma that surrounds having a disease in between your legs. 

  • Dr Kirsty Roy is a Consultant in Health Protection at Public Health Scotland, with over 20 years of national-level experience. She is the Public Health Scotland Cervical Cancer Elimination Coordinator, working collaboratively with partners across sectors to ensure the equitable achievement of cervical cancer elimination in Scotland. 

    Throughout her career, she has led several health protection programmes focused on Blood Borne Viruses, Sexually Transmitted Infections, and Vaccine Preventable Diseases. She has a strong publication record on the impact of HPV vaccination, contributing to the evidence base underpinning cervical cancer prevention strategies. 

    Dr Roy has chaired national immunisation programme groups and contributed to numerous UK and Scottish committees dedicated to preventing infectious diseases. She is a Fellow of the Faculty of Public Health and a graduate of the University of Glasgow 

  • Dr Varsha Jain is a Senior Clinical Research Fellow and Honorary Consultant Gynaecologist

    specialising in heavy periods. Her research focuses on mechanisms leading to heavy periods,

    including in women with fibroids and adenomyosis. She is driven to progress personalised

    approaches to advance women’s health and improve how we investigate and manage period problems.

  • Kate is a consultant clinical scientist in microbiology & Director of the Scottish HPV Reference (NHS Lothian) 

    She is also lead for the HPV research group at the Centre for Reproductive Health at the University of 

    Edinburgh and a professional clinical advisor to NHS England. She has been working in STIs and HPV for 25 

    years and has a long-standing interested in the development and evaluation of assays and biomarkers to support 

    the detection and risk-stratification of HPV infection in the context of anogenital and oropharyngeal disease 

  • Lydia is a researcher at the University of Oxford in the Pain in Women and EndoCaRe research groups. Her work focuses on understanding pelvic pain, especially in endometriosis and period pain, using pain neuroscience methods such as questionnaires, sensory testing and neuroimaging.

WOMEN'S HEALTH UNHEARD SPEAKERS

  • She is a scientist working at the Centre of Reproductive Health (University of Edinburgh), where she investigates the causes of heavy periods. In the lab, her aim is to develop new, non-hormonal treatments for heavy bleeding. To achieve this, she combines work with clinical samples and models of menstruation. She also collaborates with the patient and public engagement group Flow Right, which helps ensure her research is aligned with the needs of those who experience this debilitating symptom. 

  • Bettina Bildhauer is a menstrual researcher and activist, and a Professor of Modern Languages at the University St Andrews. I’m particularly interested in how menstrual stigma worked in the Middle Ages, and why it persists to this day. I’ve researched and campaigned for the Scottish Period Products Act.   

  • Dr Alexandra Rice is a Consultant Gynaecologist at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh. Her 

    special clinical interests include menstrual disorders, specifically advanced outpatient 

    hysteroscopy, pelvic floor health and medical education. She has additional educational 

    roles including being a Foundation Programme Director and Department Educational Lead. 

    Following her tireless work in postgraduate medical education she was the first Scottish 

    winner of the National Royal College of Obstetrician and Gynaecologists Trainer of the Year 

    award in 2023. She is a passionate advocate of women’s health and improving access to 

    gynaecology services. 

  • Erin is a Reproductive Biologist at Edinburgh University whose research aims to uncover the role of the microbiome in regulating female reproductive health and disease, in particular heavy menstrual bleeding, endometritis, and lactation. She loves nothing more than talking about women’s reproductive health and has recently launched a new podcast - They Didn’t Teach Us This in Sex Ed! -  with the Society for Reproduction and Fertility, where she is Chair of Public Engagement, to improve awareness and smash the stigma around reproductive health and fertility. Erin is also an award winning campaigner, focusing on tackling issues around maternal and infant health, most notably in the field of maternal and infant food insecurity in her role as Co-Founder and Director of independent infant feeding charity, Feed. Erin’s work is fuelled by copious amounts of caffeine and feminist rage! 

  • Emma Barnett is an award winning broadcaster and journalist. Named Interviewer of the Year at the British Journalism awards and twice speech radio presenter by the Radio Academy, she presents BBC Radio 4’s flagship Today Programme and hosts TV interviews and documentaries across the BBC. Her new BBC podcast has just launched: Ready to Talk with Emma Barnett - in which she interviews someone about a major moment in their lives and what they learned. Bold questions, unexpected truths and lots of tea are very involved. Previously she was the chief presenter of Woman’s Hour on BBC Radio 4, and has presented Newsnight, as well as her eponymous BBC Radio 5 Live’s mid-morning weekday programme. 

  • Professor Andrew Horne is a Scottish clinical academic gynaecologist and Director 

    of the Centre for Reproductive Health at the University of Edinburgh, where he holds 

    a Personal Chair in Gynaecology and Reproductive Sciences. His clinical and 

    research career focuses on improving the diagnosis and treatment of women’s 

    health problems, particularly endometriosis. Professor Horne co-founded EXPPECT 

    Edinburgh, a multidisciplinary hub that brings together clinicians, scientists, patients 

    and industry partners to develop evidence‑based interventions for endometriosis. He 

    serves in multiple national and international leadership roles, including President of 

    the World Endometriosis Society, Trustee of Endometriosis UK, and Specialty 

    Advisor for Obstetrics and Gynaecology to the Chief Medical Officer for Scotland. He 

    co-authored the popular book “Endometriosis: The Experts’ Guide to Treat, Manage 

    and Live Well with Your Symptoms”. 

  • Sarah is lead doctor for the specialist Menopause service in Lothian, based at Chalmers Centre. She is a specialty doctor in sexual and reproductive health with 20 years of experience working in the Lothian Menopause service. She is a passionate advocate for women's health and works hard to ensure that GPs and primary care nurses in Lothian have the knowledge and support that they need to offer their patients good advice about health in perimenopause and menopause. She is happiest up walking in the Pentland Hills - where she is delighted to see so many women of menopausal age making the very most of the benefits of exercise, mindfulness and being out and about with friends. 

  • Florence Igboayaka is an award-winning social entrepreneur, women’s health advocate, bestselling author, and founder of The Period Place, a charity dedicated to advancing menstrual health, dignity, and education. Passionate about creating a world where women and girls can thrive without shame or stigma, Florence has spent years championing conversations around periods, reproductive health, and empowerment. 

    She is the author of the Amazon bestselling book The Period Comic, an innovative educational resource that has helped over half a million girls worldwide better understand puberty and periods. Florence also founded Tricia, Scotland’s first African-founded feminine wellness brand, supporting women experiencing heavy periods. 

    A sought-after speaker and community leader, Florence has worked with governments, schools, charities, and businesses to improve health outcomes and tackle period poverty. Through her advocacy, coaching, and community initiatives, she has empowered thousands of women and girls to find their voice, build confidence, and unlock their potential. 

    Florence brings warmth, authenticity, and a deep commitment to helping women live healthier, more empowered lives. 

  • Professor Hilary Critchley is Professor of Reproductive Medicine at the University of Edinburgh. Her commitment to addressing problems of menstrual bleeding embraces not only how research can enhance our understanding and care, but also how we “tackle the taboo” around menstruation. Her research team over 30 years has focused on improving the understanding of the complex basic science of the womb lining (uterine endometrium) and the clinical management of gynaecological complaints with major impacts on women’s quality of life, including heavy menstrual bleeding and uterine fibroids. She is the current Chair of the Wellbeing of Women Research Advisory Committee, and a Past Chair of the FIGO Committee for Menstrual Disorders and Related Health Impacts. Hilary is committed to seeing research in reproductive health maintain a critical mass, so it achieves a prominent position in the national/ global health funding arena.  

  • Alice Molloy is a Research Technician with the EXPPECT team at the University of Edinburgh. Her own diagnosis at 16 drives her commitment to the field. Following a Masters by Research examining endometriosis and the gut microbiome, she works across multiple studies, including the ongoing Endo1000 project, processing samples, conducting independent research, and supporting the wider team. 

    Outside the lab, Alice runs a social media platform dedicated to translating endometriosis research into accessible, meaningful information for patients living with the condition. 

  • Elizabeth Amoaa is a reproductive health advocate, humanitarian leader and author, widely recognised for transforming her personal medical journey into a global movement for reproductive health awareness, menstrual equity and women’s empowerment. She is the Founder of Speciallady Awareness Global (UK) and Speciallady Awareness NGO (Ghana), established to address reproductive health disparities, menstrual poverty and gynaecological education. 

    She has openly shared her lived experience with uterus didelphys, endometriosis, fibroids, infertility challenges and multiple surgeries, using her story to break stigma and promote early diagnosis and awareness of underreported gynaecological conditions. Her advocacy has earned her global recognition, awards and honours and for her impact on reproductive health education and advocacy. 

    Under Elizabeth Amoaa’s leadership, Speciallady Awareness has supported communities in Ghana by providing medical supplies, distributing over 50,000 sanitary pads to tackle menstrual poverty and delivering health education programmes. In the UK, her charity raises awareness of gynaecological conditions through outreach, workshops and public campaigns aimed at reducing stigma and promoting reproductive health education. 

    Elizabeth is an accomplished author of The Unspoken Identity and The Special Lady, books that document her journey and serve as advocacy tools for reproductive health education and empowerment. 

    She is also an Ambassador of the Endo1000 Project, further strengthening her work in endometriosis awareness and reproductive health reform. 

     

MIND HEALTH SPEAKERS

  • She is a true embodiment of versatility and authentic living, with a deep passion for global culture. After an accomplished 18-year corporate career across complex sectors—including law, telecommunications, education, and financial crime prevention—she transitioned into her role as a JOY Coach.

    By swapping traditional playbooks for unconventional leadership insights, her unique background enables her to connect with individuals from diverse walks of life. She empowers others to embrace self-acceptance and cultivate unwavering confidence, supporting them in choosing joy—even on the more challenging days.

    Participants can experience this firsthand as she guides them in discovering their ‘S-Factor Balance’, navigating the intersection of stress, success, and smiles.

  •  Kerstin has always loved Science - exploring it, teaching it and have been following her passion for over 20 years to work as a Science Communicator and Lecturer developing and delivering STEM initiatives for different audiences. she had recently joined Equate Scotlandas their deputy director, working to improve training & support for women in STEM careers.

GUT HUT SPEAKERS

  • Miss Mhairi Collie MBChB MD FRCS OBE is a consultant colorectal surgeon in Edinburgh, specialising in cancer, pelvic floor, prolapse and incontinence surgery. She is passionate about Women's Health in Scotland and globally. 

    Since 2001, she has regularly undertaken surgery in sub-Saharan Africa treating women with obstetric related injuries. She worked for Medecins sans Frontieres initially, then in 2003 co-founded the charity “Uganda Childbirth Injury Fund”.  This charity delivers surgical treatment for over 200 women annually. 

    She has recently published a novel to raise awareness and funding for obstetric fistula, called “The Bright Fabric of Life”. 

  • Sioned is an experienced Advanced Physiotherapy Practitioner dedicated to Pelvic health and Urology. With a career spanning in both the NHS and private practice, she offers a compassionate, patient-centered approach to female health. Her expertise focuses on empowering women through all life stages, including: 

    - Pelvic Floor & Bladder Health: treating voiding dysfunction, incontinence, and chronic bladder pain. 

    - Menopause Support: Managing menopause-related pelvic health symptoms. 

    - Maternal Wellness: Providing comprehensive pre - and post-natal rehabilitation. 

    - Surgical Recovery: Expert care for post-gynecological and urological surgical rehabilitation, in addition to scar tissue work following breast cancer surgery. 

    - Holistic Movement: Integrating Pilates and acupuncture to support physical recovery and well-being. 

    A dedicated clinician and published researcher, Sioned combines senior-level clinical expertise with a focus on helping women regain confidence and function. ding for obstetric fistula, called “The Bright Fabric of Life”. 

  • Victoria is an advanced physiotherapy practitioner in urology. She has extensive experience, having worked in the speciality of urology and pelvic health for over 16 years. She has a Post Graduate Certificate in ‘Continence for physiotherapist’s’ from Bradford University and is a full member of pelvic, obstetrics and gynaecology physiotherapy.   

    Victoria has a special interest in patients with complex urological symptoms she has been a contributor to the consensus guidelines for Fowler’s syndrome. She is passionate about improving the patient journey for patients with these very challenging symptoms with aims of improving quality of life. 

  • Angela is a Registered Dietitian with years of experience working in a specialist weight management service in the NHS and running her own private practice and social media platform. She is also a qualified non-medical prescriber and the Scotland representative for the British Dietetic Association Obesity Specialist Group. She is passionate about advancing obesity care pathways, challenging weight stigma and educating on the rapidly evolving evidence around obesity medicines.

  • Becca is a Physiotherapist at Balanced Edinburgh with specialist experience in pelvic health and rehabilitation, and her mission is to look at the whole picture to help people establish lifelong exercise habits. Her passions are pelvic health, menopause, and bone health, and she is working towards a PhD on these topics with the Lydia Osteoporosis Project at QMU. She is a director of Kin Collective Family Wellbeing CIC, who support families in the perinatal period.  

    Becca has appeared on television in connection with her work raising awareness of osteoporosis as a public health concern. She appeared on the Menopause Warriors Scotland podcast to discuss pelvic health during the menopause transition. 

  • Camila has over 10-years clinical experience in the UK and overseas with a deep passion for pelvic health.  “What drove me to specialist in pelvic health was seeing the women in my life struggling with bladder, bowel and pelvic pain issues. I’m a firm believer in the power of education; that is why I put special attention to explain basic anatomy and condition, so anyone can take home essential information and tools to aid them in their recovery journey”  

    Camila has a special interest in connective tissue disorders, like Ehlers-Danlos syndromes, autonomic dysfunction, mast cell activation syndrome and hypermobility, contributing to the report of the lived experience of hEDS and HSD in Scotland. She is a member of pelvic, obstetrics and gynaecology physiotherapy (POGP) and hypermobility syndromes association (HMSA). 

    She is currently working as an advanced physiotherapy practitioner in both colorectal and urology at Western General Hospital in Edinburgh. 

  • Emily McMurray is a Consultant in Diabetes and Endocrinology within NHS Lothian, having previously worked in Northern Ireland and France.  She has a particular interest in supporting diabetes care in harder-to-reach groups and has established links with the Access Place and HMP Edinburgh.  Outside work, she enjoys singing and exploring Scotland's hills with her sons.

  • Nikki Baldwin is an experienced specialist physiotherapist who commenced her physiotherapy career in the 1990s. She initially worked primarily within musculoskeletal physiotherapy, developing strong clinical foundations across a broad range of conditions. 

    In more recent years, Nikki has transitioned her practice towards pelvic health and continence physiotherapy, an area in which she has developed a strong clinical interest and deep professional passion. She is particularly committed to supporting women throughout their life cycle and helping them to achieve their goals. 

    To strengthen her theoretical knowledge and clinical reasoning, Nikki completed additional Master’s level postgraduate study at the University of Bradford, in 2024 focusing on the theory and practice of physiotherapy in women’s health. She currently practises at St. John’s Hospital in Livingston, where she works within specialist pelvic health services and plays an active role in improving care pathways for women. She also works privately at Prime Sports Physiotherapy in Edinburgh 

  • Jackie Jardine is an experienced urology nurse specialist who qualified as a nurse in 1984. The early part of her career was spent predominantly in surgical nursing, complemented by bank work across a range of clinical areas. During this period, Jackie also worked in Australia, gaining international nursing experience and subsequently qualifying and practising as a midwife. 

    Over the past two decades, Jackie has worked within urology services, including 12 years specialising in urogynaecology. She has developed significant expertise in the management of lower urinary tract and pelvic floor conditions, including bladder retraining programmes, urodynamic assessment, pessary fitting and management, and the assessment of prolapse symptoms. 

    Jackie currently works with the Urogynaecology team at St John’s Hospital, Livingston, and the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh. She is deeply committed to supporting women’s health and is passionate about helping women improve both their symptoms and overall quality of life through expert nursing care, education, and compassionate support. 

  • Nicola Dames is a nurse, patient advocate, researcher, and founder of Vanilla Blush. Following her diagnosis with Ulcerative Colitis and subsequent stoma surgery, she has become a recognised voice in patient involvement in research. She is a Patient Representative for the Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland and the Association of Surgeons of Great Britain and Ireland, and a published first and co-author on multiple peer-reviewed studies focused on improving patient outcomes and experience in colorectal care. 

  • Yasmin is a registered nurse and completed her nursing undergraduate training in her home town of Edinburgh, at Napier University and since completed a Masters Degree in Public Health Nutrition. She has had a varied career in clinical nursing including intensive care, colorectal surgery as a stoma nurse, and have recently commenced a role in research nursing. Throughout her career, she has been driven by a passion for compassionate, patient-focused care and improving people’s quality of life and experience of healthcare interaction. Having lived between both Scotland and England, she has seen firsthand the differences to in access to healthcare and support services which have strengthened her desire to be involved in improving women’s wellbeing and ensuring care is not only accessible but also inclusive and supportive. Yasmin is very grateful to have the opportunity to support The Every Women Festival in Edinburgh.