On International Women’s Day 2022, we celebrate all of the inspirational women at The Union, as we stand against inequality.
The Union is a diverse organisation, with female staff, consultants and members across the world in a variety of roles and fields. Today we shine the spotlight on just a few of these incredible women.
Ingrid Schoeman
Board member and chairperson of The Union Community Advisory Panel
What is your role at The Union and more broadly in the tuberculosis (TB) community?
I am a board member of The Union and chairperson of The Union Community Advisory Panel (UCAP). UCAP is passionate about the Community Connect space at The Union conference where the TB community can connect and learn from one another.
What inspired you to become a TB advocate?
Drug-resistant TB nearly killed me. I was working as a dietitian in public hospitals in South Africa when I fell ill with XDR-TB. The TB medication caused liver failure and I went into a coma. Fortunately I survived. This experience changed my life and gave me a better understanding of what the majority of people with TB, who do not even have food on the table to eat, are going through. I am grateful to be part of TB Proof, a TB advocacy organisation based in South Africa, passionate about high quality, person-centred TB care for all, free from stigma and discrimination.
What would you say to encourage others to get involved?
Use your voice to stand with TB communities in the fight to #endTB.