Leigh Day sponsors 2025 Black Maternal Health Conference and Awards

The theme for this year’s conference, sponsored by Leigh Day, is ‘Building Better Futures: Community-Led Solutions’ and highlights the Motherhood Group’s commitment to building community and addressing maternal health disparities.

The Motherhood Group, founded by author and social entrepreneur Sandra Igwe, hosted the first Black Maternal Health Conference in 2023.

The event includes keynote sessions and panel discussions with industry leaders and will develop authentic community engagement. Rt Dianne Abbott MP has been announced as a keynote speaker and will be highlighting health equity barriers in British politics.

Speakers include lawyer and political and women’s rights activist Dr Shola Mos-Shogabamimu, reproductive health experts such as Dr. Annabel Sowemimo, and lived experience advocate Nellie Robert Gbadebo, as well as midwives, charity directors and more.

The headline sponsor Leigh Day has a specialist birth injury team comprising of lawyers with extensive expertise in helping mothers and families in maternity negligence cases, as well as experienced midwives.

Human rights partner and head of the immigration team at Leigh Day Jacqueline McKenzie will also be involved with the awards ceremony.

Senior associate solicitor Firdous Ibrahim said:

“I am pleased that we are able to support such an important event for a third year running.

“The disparities that we see in maternity care are dire. This conference looks to open a vital dialogue between maternity care providers and mothers and allow for mothers to have their voices heard.”

Partner and head of the medical negligence team Suzanne White said:

“Bringing lived experiences to the forefront of discussions on change needed in the maternity healthcare is crucial. The Black Maternal Health Conference creates a safe space where mothers are empowered to challenge healthcare policies.

“Sandra Igwe has created a crucial environment for meaningful discussions on the disparities in maternal health that we hope will inform policies going forwards. I am proud to sponsor such pioneering work in maternity care.”