Adolescent Health

Girlx Lab

The Girlx Lab is Black woman-led and focuses on enhancing the health and well-being of Black adolescent women and girls across all gender identities. Our mission is to empower these individuals and involve them directly in innovative research. This collaborative approach helps us identify opportunities for policy and systemic change, aiming to improve sexual and reproductive health.

Historically, Black women and girls have not been centered in research about their bodies or communities. We prioritize their involvement to ensure our research is truly reflective of their needs and perspectives. We use participatory research methods, such as digital storytelling, and foster youth-engaged partnerships through initiatives like the Girlx Lab Youth Advisory Board. These efforts help us integrate the voices of Black women and girls into our research on sexual and reproductive health.

We are committed to dismantling harmful stereotypes about the sexual and reproductive health of Black women and girls. Our work is centered around their experiences and aims to redefine their sexual and reproductive health narratives. We explore areas such as sexual well-being, positive sexuality among adolescents, and reproductive and sexual development. By doing so, we strive to transform the narrative around sexuality and reproductive health for Black women and girls, empowering them to define their own experiences.

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WINK (What I Need to Know)

WINK (What I Need to Know) is a mobile-optimized website made for teens to learn about their health. It provides a wide range of information about sexual and reproductive health. It also provides practical advice on how to access healthcare services. The content is designed to empower teens. It covers topics like sex, relationships, and reproduction. It also helps them understand how to navigate healthcare on their own, and what to expect during visits.

 

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Recent Publications, News + Media

 

March 2024

Understanding how COVID-19 affected black pregnant women 

 

Read THE STUDY

February 27, 2024

Jo Williams, Girlx - Black History Month interview with UCSF CTSI

 

WATCH VIDEO

Oct. 25, 2023

GirlxLab founder April Bell named a 2023 John Watson Scholar 

 

 

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