Cal State Monterey Bay (CSUMB) students learned about the connection between reproductive health care and current social justice issues at a workshop seminar on April 24.
The event was organized by the Otter Cross Cultural Center (OC3) and hosted by fourth-year molecular biology major, Irene Hernandez Ocampo.
The goal of the workshop was to learn more about how women can better understand their bodies and reproductive system and how that ties to current social justice events like sexual and reproductive health and rights.
Hernandez invited guest speaker Jennifer Kato, a lecturer and American Medical Student Association (AMSA) advisor at CSUMB. Kato began the session by emphasizing the need for a safe and comfortable environment for everyone present, setting the tone for open discussions.
Students were encouraged to ask questions throughout the presentation.
Opening with informational diagrams, graphs and statistics, Kato presented a plethora of interesting reproductive facts and information to an audience of around 15 students.
With a background and experience in biology, chemistry, reproductive health and endocrinology, Kato led the seminar through major topics such as hormones, reproductive anatomy, birth control methods and how they work, STDs and more.
The seminar successfully engaged students to participate in the workshop actively. Attendees were not only provided with information but also practical tools, such as ovulation strips, to further their understanding and take charge of their reproductive health.
At the end of the event, the presentation dissolved into a light-hearted open discussion regarding anything the audience wanted to know more about. “What is PCOS (Polycystic ovary syndrome) and what causes it?” asked one fourth-year CSUMB student.
The open discussion segment fostered an inclusive atmosphere where students could freely inquire about various topics related to reproductive health, reflecting both Hernandez and Kato’s commitment to creating a safe and supportive environment for learning.