London midwife wins Brun Bear Foundation-sponsored award for equality work

Josephine Oamen (second left) is this year's winner of The Brun Bear Foundation-sponsored Royal College of Midwives' 'Race Matters' Unsung Hero Award

A London midwife honoured at a prestigious Royal College of Midwives (RCM) awards ceremony in October has had her achievement recognised at a November gathering at her workplace.

Josephine Oamen, a senior clinical midwife at University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (UCLH), was named the RCM's 'Race Matters Unsung Hero'. The award, sponsored by The Brun Bear Foundation through its Birthing And Maternity Education online academy, recognises Josephine's exceptional commitment to championing workplace equality and cultural sensitivity in healthcare.

Following the formal London ceremony, more than 100 colleagues, including retired staff who had worked with Ms Oamen over her 17-year career, convened at UCLH for a special November buffet lunch which Josephine characteristically insisted on catering herself.

Josephine was praised at the gathering for her efforts in transforming workplace culture by encouraging discussions around diversity. "Breaking through was a real challenge, but we live in a country that's open to change," said Josephine reflecting on her time as as UCLH BAME co-chair. "Now, there's widespread recognition of black and ethnic minority staff at UCLH. Previously, people shied away from discussing race, but we've managed to overcome that barrier. We didn't stop until we'd addressed the issue at the highest levels."

She continued, "We've now got executive sponsors, an equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) lead; the steering group is booming."

Her commitment to workplace safety was a recurring theme. "I risk assess. Whenever I'm walking down the corridor or doing anything, people might not know that I'm seeing things but I see things and I stop people," Josephine explained. "They ask, 'How did you see?' I say I'm working with all my senses."

Addressing the gathered well-wishers, Josephine spoke about her motivations: "I do it with passion, from my heart. It's not because I want fame but because I believe in justice and I'll stand up for anyone, anywhere. I think I blame my mother for that! My mum always said to me fight for what is right and that's what I do all the time."

Alice Sorby, RCM Director of Employment Relations, highlighted the national impact of Josephine's work: "I've had the pleasure of getting to know Josephine over the last 18 or so months. She is not only an amazing advocate for midwives and maternity support workers in her workplace but has also spoken at numerous events on behalf of the RCM at a national level." Ms Thompson added, "She has spoken to workers across the economy, from hospitality to manufacturing, about the experience of midwives and maternity support workers."

Jayne Bekoe, head of equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) at the Royal College of Midwives delivered an emotional tribute: "Josephine is a true activist and role model. Her demonstration of what an activist and humanitarian should be in the workplace is exactly what's needed right now. I've watched her development over the years and it's been amazing to see her growth. Her work has truly shone through in every possible way."

Founder of The Brun Bear Foundation and its Birthing And Maternity Education initiative Edwin Lampert said: "We are proud to sponsor the Race Matters Award and work with the RCM because we want to recognise unsung heroes and shine a light on inspiring examples like Josephine."

The Birthing And Maternity Education Online Academy by The Brun Bear Foundation aims to improve maternity outcomes for women, infants and their families, especially within diverse and at-risk communities.

The Academy’s origins and objectives can be traced to a collaboration on a series of well-received live events and webinars, delivered before and during the pandemic with the exceptional midwifery team at Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust. This partnership continues and remains integral to its work. At the same time, the Academy has gone on to forge new partnerships and alliances and continues to do so.

Subject expertise comes via a mix of maternity, medical, academic, cultural, communal, third sector, governmental, regulatory and other professional sources. The voice, viewpoint and experience of mothers, babies and families are central to everything it does.

For more information, visit www.bamematernity.com or email team@bamematernity.com.