'Women's Action On Health'

Poster entitled 'Women's Action On Health' published by the East London Health Project, photomontage by Loriane Leeson.

In red script, there are six ways in which women and people can take action: "Find support in your tenants’ community or women’s group; demand access to the services you need, know your rights, become active in your trade unions, fight for the right to choose – every child a wanted child and use your community health council." These words form the symbol of a circle and a cross, a symbol used to signify someone or something as female.

This poster is part of the Women in Health series by the East London Health Project in collaboration with the Women’s Health Information Collective. In 1978, the East London Trades Councils wanted to give information about health issues to the local population. This was at a time when cuts were being made to the National Health Service (NHS). The East London Health Project was formed for this task and eight different posters were produced over the two years it existed. Art and modern advertising techniques were both used to draw attention to the issues and were displayed in doctors’ surgeries and other waiting areas. The themes and styles of the posters were developed by a steering group including members of the health workers’ unions NALGO and NUPE, the local Trades Council, and Tower Hamlets health campaign and the artists, Loraine Leeson and Peter Dunn.