championing Systemic Healthcare Equity
The Unignorable Reality: Women’s Lived Experiences with Breast Cancer
In April 2023, I was diagnosed with breast cancer, a condition affecting 1 in 7 women in Australia. This personal challenge inspired the creation of the Mambo Movement, which addresses the significant health disparities faced by Women of Colour (WOC). I’ve had a privileged health journey—marked by regular breast examinations, early intervention, excellent treatment by a skilled medical team and a strong support network — all of which have contributed to my being free of breast cancer today. This is not the case for many WOC, who face unique challenges in their breast cancer journeys, as evidenced by both lived experiences and global research. These challenges—including lower screening rates, more aggressive cancer types, and systemic barriers such as discrimination and culturally insensitive healthcare—fuel my commitment to advocating for systemic change.
The Mambo Movement: Harnessing Cross-Cultural Insights to Bridge Healthcare Gaps
Inspired by my late mother, Grace Mambo Kikuvi, who believed that "all things work together for good," the Mambo Movement aims to end breast cancer disparities and ensure no one is left behind. Our mission is to ensure WOC have equitable access to high-quality breast cancer prevention, screening, treatment, and care. Embracing the Kenyan tradition of Harambee, meaning "joining efforts to achieve a common goal," we focus on raising awareness, mobilising advocates, and delivering culturally competent care, all while fostering an inclusive and supportive healthcare environment.
Strategic Expertise in Enhancing Care for Diverse Populations
We support WOC by promoting self-advocacy, offering emotional support, and ensuring access to culturally sensitive care. My background in psychology and counseling drives our patient-centered approach, enhancing healthcare efficiency and empathy. With extensive experience working with state health departments and a major health insurer, I've developed and implemented strategies engaging diverse stakeholders to improve health program delivery. The Mambo Movement leverages this expertise to promote health equity in breast cancer care, helping WOC navigate complex healthcare systems and advocating for equitable access.
Collaboration for Culturally Competent Care
We collaborate with medical practitioners, government agencies, research institutions, and community organisations to deepen their understanding of the challenges WOC face. Our goal is to equip them to deliver high-quality, culturally appropriate care. Through keynotes, tailored training, and advisory services, we ensure the provision of effective, empathetic support.
Join the Mambo Movement
WOC needing support navigating the healthcare system, contact us.
Medical practitioners, government agencies, research institutions, and community organisations interested in providing culturally sensitive services to WOC diagnosed with breast cancer, reach out to us.
Allies and advocates for WOC who want to help end breast cancer disparities and ensure no one is left behind, join us.
The Mambo movement includes all women—cisgender, transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming—who have faced oppression. "WOC" encompasses non-white women from historically disadvantaged racial and ethnic groups, including Black, Indigenous, Asian, Latinx, Pacific Islander, and Middle Eastern women.