Public spaces in Indian cities are not just an agglomeration of buildings but are entwined with complex social processes. The spatial compositions embody different aspirations, needs of people and actions that override what might be the permissible use of space to a more everyday or desired use of space. This ensemble of needs and collectively shaped areas is often read as civic disobedience, violation, and informality and it is opposed even if it contributes to vitality, activation, active frontages or safety. Rebel bodies is such an important book. It highlights the dismal state of women's healthcare and validates for women that their experiences are not all in their heads. * Dr Sarah E. Hill, author of How the Pill Changes Everything * Exposing the appalling gender bias that underpins our healthcare system, REBEL BODIES is an essential read, full of insight and practical advice to help women to challenge assumptions and advocate for ourselves and others. A rallying cry against inequality, both enraging and hopeful. * Rebecca Schiller, author and journalist *

You have worked as a freelance journalist for nearly 10 years now, what would you say are some of your highlights during that time? SARAH: The original working title was Hysterical Women, like the blog, but I really wanted a title that went a bit further – because the book goes further than the blog. Rebel Bodies came out of a brainstorm with my editor and my agent, and I loved it immediately. I’ve always really liked the word ‘rebel’ anyway – my first feminist role model growing up was Princess Leia – and I felt like Rebel Bodies really captured the two sides to the book.

“The gender health gap revolution is already underway”

Women make up 51% of the population and are the biggest users of healthcare services – for themselves and as mothers and carers. But all the research shows there are critical gender differences when it comes to men and women’s healthcare. Our pain and suffering has been disbelieved; we are misdiagnosed, given tranquilisers when we need painkillers, antidepressants when we need HRT, and not trusted to make informed choices about our own bodies. As women speak out about their experiences of gaslighting and misdiagnosis, health journalist Sarah Graham investigates what it will take to bridge the gender health gap. Have you ever been to a doctor and felt like you were being fobbed off or ignored? Did they belittle or overlook your concerns about your health? Ever been told you’re just ‘hormonal’? Rebel Bodies offers actionable ways for women to advocate getting the diagnosis and treatment needed for themselves and others, Rebel Bodies is the eye-opening must-read on medical misogyny and a way forward. We need to rethink the medical model that still too often views textbook knowledge as fixed, infallible and in conflict with patients’ own intimate knowledge of themselves; to drop the idea that ‘doctor knows best’ and instead begin to treat medicine as a collaborative partnership between patients and healthcare professionals, each with complementary forms of expertise. The patient-centred ‘ICE’ model for medical consultations is a great starting point, and already widely used. Introduced by Pendelton et al in 1984, it’s based on exploring patients’ ideas, concerns and expectations, with the aim of achieving a shared understanding.

SARAH: The great thing about the gender health gap revolution is that it’s already underway, and there are lots of existing campaigns, advocacy groups and charities featured in the book that people can get involved with or draw inspiration from. The government has also published its first ever Women’s Health Strategy for England, and there are similar plans afoot in Scotland and Wales, so it’s really important we held our politicians accountable for those promises and ensure they see them through. Sarah Graham is an award-winning freelance health journalist and founder of the Hysterical Women blog, specialising in health, gender and feminism. She has written extensively on these subjects for the i newspaper, Refinery29, the Telegraph, Grazia, Guardian, the BMJ and many others. However, she does think sexist attitudes play a massive part in it, “But then I think there are still those attitudes of women are irrational women that normalise women's pain, we’re told to be born with a womb is to suffer, and that's inevitable, you just have to get on with it.”Never before have I seen such stark, evidence-based research on the intersection between disability and gender. Sarah's work is incredibly important. * Cathy Reay, disabled writer and journalist *

An inclusive and empowering manifesto for change in women's healthcare – exploring the systemic and deep rooted sexism within medicine, and offering actionable ways for women to advocate for ourselves and others and get the diagnosis and treatment we need. What Sarah has achieved with Rebel Bodies is remarkable. The depth and breadth of the topics she's explored and highlighted through real life accounts is impressive and important * Maisie Hill, author of Period Power *At the most fundamental level, we need a properly functioning health service. That requires funding for necessary equipment and infrastructure, but above all it requires people – well- trained, compassionate, skilled people and plenty of them. Adequate staffing levels are essential for patient safety and we urgently need investment, not just in recruiting more doctors, nurses, midwives and support staff, but also ensuring they’re well enough paid and supported to do their jobs to the best of their abilities, and to keep them in those roles long-term.

Women shouldn't have to advocate for themselves when it comes to healthcare - but are often forced to. This can potentially be problematic, such as if they have a disability, or they are non-verbal. Would you mind speaking to that? Have you ever been to a doctor and felt like you were being fobbed off or ignored? Did they belittle or overlook your concerns about your health? Ever been told you’re just ‘hormonal’? You’re not alone. Have you ever been to a doctor and felt like you were being fobbed off or ignored? Did they belittle or overlook your concerns about your health? Ever been told you're just 'hormonal'? You're not alone.

Fascinating, eye opening and maddening in the same breath. It blows the lid off the experience of many, many women's health journeys and leaves you wanting to stand by Sarah's side and fight for an equal system of health. * Holly Matthews, Self-development coach and author of The Happy Me Project * After being ill with ME for almost 18 years, there are still family members being difficult, inconsiderate, and giving me a hard time with what they want from me. Having no idea about my poor quality of life, making me think I don't matter. The Forum Network is a space for experts and thought leaders—from around the world and all parts of society— to discuss and develop solutions now and for the future. It aims to foster the fruitful exchange of expertise and perspectives across fields, and opinions expressed do not necessarily represent the views of the OECD. Your new book is a manifesto for change in women’s healthcare – can you tell us a bit about how the book came about?