“I think of life in terms of ‘before’ and ‘after’ my accident"
Plus: 🩺 Promising endometriosis research 🏃♀️Recording breaking women 🫶 Mel C's Female Leads
We hear a lot about inclusivity from brands - but what happens when the marketing looks more inclusive than the actual product? That’s the question Stefanie Reid found herself asking after trying to buy a pair of running shoes. Or more specifically, just one.
The Paralympian, broadcaster and executive coach - who lost her right leg below the knee as a teenager - shared her frustration at having to pay hundreds of pounds for two trainers when she only needed one. It sparked a much bigger conversation about accessibility, authenticity and whether brands are really designing for the people they claim to include.
In this issue of Take The Lead, we’re spotlighting some exciting news for women. A new non-invasive scan for endometriosis diagnosis has shown promising results in an early trial at the University of Oxford. We’re also celebrating Rachel Entrekin, who became the first woman ever to win the ‘Cocodona 250’ outright - a brutal 250-mile race across Arizona. She finished in a record-breaking 56 hours, 9 minutes, and 48 seconds, smashing not only her own previous women’s record, but the men’s course record too.
We also caught up with Melanie C about the women from real life, history, and fiction who’ve inspired her for the first episode of My Female Leads. We especially loved her fictional hero. Meanwhile, at the British Academy Television Awards, disability advocate Tasha Ghouri encouraged people to make accessibility part of everyday thinking, not just an afterthought.
Enjoy, share it with your friends, and let us know what you think!
The Female Lead Team
We’re talking about…
🩻 A possible breakthrough for endometriosis diagnosis - A new non-invasive scan for endometriosis has shown promising results in an early trial at the University of Oxford. Researchers tested an experimental radiotracer called maraciclatide, which can “light up” endometriosis tissue during scans - potentially removing the need for diagnostic surgery.
Women in England currently wait an average of more than nine years for a diagnosis. Researchers say the breakthrough could dramatically speed up access to answers, treatment, and support for millions of women living with pain.
🏃♀️ A woman has won one of the world’s toughest ultramarathons outright - Rachel Entrekin has become the first woman to win the Cocodona 250 overall, beating the entire field in a record-breaking time of 56 hours, 9 minutes, and 48 seconds.
The 250-mile race across Arizona is considered one of the toughest endurance events in the world. Rachel smashed the previous course record by more than two hours, despite powering through on minimal sleep and stopping along the way to pet dogs.
Inspire me…
“I now finally feel very proud of my body, I love working out, I’m strong, I’m muscular, and I wanted to show people that you should be proud of your body, whatever shape or size you are.”
We spoke to Mel C about her Female Leads, the women in real life, history, and the world of fiction who have inspired her. Her latest album ‘Sweat’ is out now.
Stefanie Reid MBE doesn’t call herself a disability campaigner. In fact, she actively resists the label.
“I think there’s a big issue as soon as you start segmenting the population into people with disabilities and people without,” she tells The Female Lead. “What I advocate for is every single person being able to find themselves existing in an environment that allows them to reach their full potential.”
Final thought…
Accessibility advocate Tasha Ghouri spoke to The Female Lead about the importance of seeing deaf representation on screen and bringing accessibility considerations into everyday life.
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