Breaking the Silence: How ‘Fertility Unfiltered’ is Reshaping Women’s Health Conversations in the UAE
In a city known for skyscrapers and supercars, it was a quieter yet equally groundbreaking event that recently captured attention in Dubai. The gathering wasn’t about innovation in architecture or tech; it was about women, their bodies, and the future of reproductive health in the UAE.
Hosted by Merck Gulf, a leading science and technology company, in collaboration with Ovasave, the UAE’s pioneering femtech start-up, the event titled ‘Fertility Unfiltered’ drew over 100 healthcare professionals, HR leaders, corporate influencers, and women’s health advocates. Their mission? To strip the stigma from fertility and ignite honest, actionable conversations around reproductive choices.
Why Fertility Can’t Be a Whisper Anymore
Fertility is one of the most personal and often one of the most silenced topics in women’s lives, particularly in regions where societal expectations and taboos still shape health decisions. But that’s changed.
A 2023 World Health Organization report estimated that 17.5% of people globally experience infertility; a staggering number that includes over one in six couples in the UAE. Even more concerning is the rate of secondary infertility in the region; where couples struggle to conceive after having had a child previously; one of the highest globally, according to recent research from a leading UAE university.
Despite the numbers, conversations about fertility often remain shrouded in shame, confusion, or misinformation. And that’s exactly what Fertility Unfiltered set out to challenge.
The Power of Personal Storytelling: Fertility as a Shared Journey
The event wasn’t just a medical conference. It was a storytelling summit. From the corporate stage to community hall, the space was transformed into a deeply human dialogue where voices once silenced found resonance.
One such voice belonged to Brianna Fade, Brand Manager at Fade Fit, who recounted her own experience navigating fertility preservation. “I froze my eggs not because I had a problem,” she said, “but because I wanted freedom and peace of mind. I wanted the choice.”
Choreographer Rhea Harmoush, known for her expressive movement and choreography, shared a different angle. “Fertility isn’t just biology. It’s identity. It’s hope. It’s grief.” Her words echoed through the room, underscoring that fertility is never just a medical concern; it’s emotional, psychological, and often tied to cultural narratives.
Then came science. Dr. Dalia Khalife, a specialist in reproductive medicine and infertility, reminded attendees that while awareness is growing, access and education still lag behind. “Many women don’t even know what their options are until it’s too late,” she said. “It’s not just IVF. It’s about proactive care, hormonal literacy, and early screenings.”
Case in Point: The AMH Test That Sparked a Shift
To move beyond rhetoric and into real-world change, Merck Gulf and Ova save didn’t just talk; they acted. Building on their previous ‘Fertility Your Way’ campaign, they offered over 500 free Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) tests across Dubai and Abu Dhabi through a mobile clinic initiative. These tests help women assess ovarian reserve and understand their reproductive timeline.
One HR leader from a multinational company, Nadia Mansoor, attended the session and later shared how her team took action post-event. “We brought the AMH mobile unit into our workplace,” she said. “Out of 90 women, nearly half signed up. Some were just curious. Others had been too afraid or too busy to seek answers. Now they’re asking the right questions. That’s a win.”
Femtech and the Future: Building Support at Every Stage
Ovasave’s role is particularly pivotal. As the UAE’s first femtech company, it’s filling a crucial gap—offering at-home hormone testing kits, teleconsultations with fertility specialists, and a judgment-free digital platform to demystify reproductive health.
“Ovasave isn’t just a product. It’s a movement,” said Torkia Mahloul, Co-founder and CEO. “We’re taking fertility support out of the clinic and putting it where it belongs; into women’s hands. With science and empathy, we’re rewriting what fertility care looks like.”
She emphasized the need for collective responsibility; from employers to policymakers, to champion education and accessibility. “If you employ women, you have a duty to support their reproductive health, not just their productivity.”
A Cultural Reawakening: Fertility as a Collective Conversation
One of the event’s highlights was the ‘Layers of Her’ installation; an interactive, emotional exhibit designed to capture the complex layers of fertility through art and storytelling. Women pinned handwritten notes sharing fears, triumphs, losses, and questions. It was raw, unfiltered, and powerfully healing.
This kind of initiative aligns with the UAE’s national strategy on women’s health, which has seen increased investment in fertility clinics, employer-backed wellness programs, and digital health innovation.
Just last year, the UAE Ministry of Health launched a women-focused digital health initiative aimed at improving early detection and prevention of gynecological conditions; including infertility. It’s clear that the conversation is getting louder and broader.
Conclusion: Fertility is Freedom, and Freedom Needs Dialogue
At its core, Fertility Unfiltered is not just an event. It’s a call to action. It’s a reminder that every woman’s fertility journey is unique; and every journey deserves information, compassion, and choice.
As Sarrah Barakat of Merck Gulf eloquently stated, “It’s not about pushing one path. It’s about making all paths visible. Empowerment starts with knowledge; and ends with agency.”
Whether through corporate HR programs, femtech innovations, or storytelling spaces, the UAE is witnessing a shift; one where fertility is no longer a taboo, but a topic of empowerment. The future of women’s health lies in unfiltered, informed, and fearless dialogue. And if this event is any indication, that future has already begun.
Sources:
- World Health Organization, Infertility 2023 Report
- UAE University Fertility Study, 2024
Ministry of Health and Prevention UAE, Women’s Health Initiatives
