Glass: The Lion For Change > Glass: The Lion for Change

EVERYTHING THEY DIDN’T TELL YOU

AREA 23, AN IPG HEALTH NETWORK COMPANY, New York / BLACK WOMEN FOR WELLNESS LA / 2023

Awards:

Silver Cannes Lions
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Overview

Credits

Overview

Why is this work relevant for Glass: The Lion for Change?

Representation in pregnancy books is critical as it ensures that Black women's experiences and perspectives are included and validated. Our book jacket represents Black women and provides essential information and support for Black women during their pregnancy journey. The maternal mortality rate for Black women is 69.9 deaths for every 100,000 live births. Our book jacket provides what the most coveted pregnancy book in America does not do for Black mothers. It depicts accurate and culturally competent information on topics such as prenatal care, exercise, labor and delivery, and postpartum care. In addition to providing accurate information, representation in Black pregnancy books should also focus on celebrating Black motherhood and the diversity of Black families. Our book jacket communicates directly to Black women and supports them throughout their pregnancy journey no one should have to choose between pregnancy or safety.

Background

The U.S. maternal mortality rate is exceptionally high for Black women. They are 3 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related issues than their White counterparts.

The #1 pregnancy book is a symbol of comfort, but not for Black moms. So, we turned the most iconic pregnancy book (What to Expect When You’re Expecting) into an essential health guide for Black women.

We created a free book jacket that adds everything a Black mom-to-be should know when she’s expecting. Every book jacket is a resource, but it also is an invitation into the BWWLA online ecosystem which connects moms to ongoing support, advocacy tips, doula services, and more. This tool gives Black moms more than just the representation they deserve, but the life-saving information they need.

Describe the cultural / social / political climate around gender representation and the significance of the work within this context

America has a Black maternal health crisis. The landmark Supreme Court case Roe v. Wade has had a significant influence on pregnant Black women. The decision to overturn this monumental case has taken away the right to safe and legal abortions, which has been crucial in improving Black womens’ reproductive health outcomes. The unequal distribution of access to reproductive healthcare, particularly in communities of color, has resulted in persistent disparities in maternal health. Black women still face a higher risk of maternal mortality due to a lack of access to quality healthcare and the lingering effects of systemic racism. There is a lot of work to be done to address the racial inequalities in maternal health.

Our book jacket will serve a source of empowering information for Black moms-to-be. What they should and need to know when she’s expecting. Every book jacket is a resource, but it also is an invitation into the BWWLA online ecosystem which connects moms to ongoing support, advocacy tips, doula services, and more. This tool gives Black moms more than just the representation they deserve, but the life-saving information they need.

Describe the creative idea

We created a book jacket to be an essential addition to the most widely-read pregnancy book in America. The reach is undeniable; with over 21 million copies in print, What to Expect When You're Expecting is read by 93% of women who read a pregnancy book. Our book jacket speaks directly to Black women, and supports them throughout their pregnancy journey with support, facts, FAQ, and advocacy tips. In partnership with BWWLA we participated in LA’s Black Maternal Health Week events to distribute and reach as many Black mothers as possible.

Describe the strategy

The U.S. maternal mortality rate is exceptionally high for Black women – they are 3 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related issues than their White counterparts. In 2021 the maternal mortality rate for Black women was 69.9 deaths for every 100,000 live births. According to the CDC 65% of those pregnancy related deaths could be preventable. Black maternal health issues are not attributed to chance but to racism.

The strategy is to cover America’s most popular pregnancy book in order to reach the audience that needs it most: Black pregnant women. Our book jacket speaks directly to Black women, and supports them throughout their pregnancy journey with support, facts, FAQ, and advocacy tips. In partnership with BWWLA we participated in LA’s Black Maternal Health Week events to distribute and reach as many Black mothers as possible.

Describe the execution

We created an essential addition to the most widely read pregnancy book in America. We distributed 1000 free book jackets during the Black Maternal Health week events in LA from April 11-14. The free book jacket adds everything a Black mom-to-be should know when she’s expecting. Every book jacket is a resource, but it also is an invitation into the BWWLA online ecosystem which connects moms to ongoing support, advocacy tips, doula services, and more. This tool gives Black moms more than just the representation they deserve, but the life-saving information they need. An essential tool for Black women that enables them to take back control of their pregnancy journey.

Describe the results / impact

We distributed 1000 free book jackets during the Black Maternal Health week events in LA. Our efforts highlight the impact racism can have on everything from the cover of books to the medical system. Every book jacket is an invitation into the Black Women for Wellness online ecosystem, which connects moms to even more education around healthy pregnancy and birth, ongoing support, and doula services.

Is there any cultural context that would help the jury understand how this work was perceived by people in the country where it ran?

The Black maternal health issues in America are not attributed to chance but to racism. Racism affects the bodies of Black pregnant women by triggering biological responses. The toll that racism takes on their mental health and physical health is critical to the Black maternal health crisis. Racism also affects Black women's access to healthy food, safe housing, and quality education. These factors can impact a woman's overall health and well-being.

• In the U.S. Black women are 3 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related issues.

• The maternal mortality rate for Black women is 69.9 deaths for every 100,000 live births.

• 65% of those pregnancy related deaths could be preventable.

• Health care providers are less likely to believe Black women's pain, dismiss their concerns, or provide appropriate care.

• Black women face systemic discrimination in healthcare settings, including unequal access to healthcare, lower-quality care, and biased treatment from healthcare providers.

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