What We Learned at the WIN x SISTERLY Panel
“Listen to the Science, Not the Influencers”
On Wednesday, 25th of June, the Women’s Irish Network and SISTERLY came together to host a sold-out panel event at Eve, Kensington. With over 60 Irish women in the room, it was an evening of good craic, great chats, and frank discussion around health, hormones, and how we take care of ourselves in a world not designed for women.
Our panellists, broadcaster and writer Angela Scanlon, SISTERLY Lab co-founder Jennifer O’Connell, and nutritionist and author Liberty Mills, shared personal stories and hard-won insights on everything from IVF to supplements, burnout to blood tests, and why women are still fighting to be heard in medical spaces.
“We deserve energy, vitality and radiance— not to be hanging on by a thread,” said Angela, to a roomful of applause.
Women are not “small men” – and it’s time the system recognised that
As Dr Stacy Sims coined the phrase: “Women are not small men.” Her work has become vital for those pushing back against a medical and scientific system that was, for decades, built without women in mind.
Until the 1990s, women were routinely excluded from clinical trials because their hormonal cycles were seen as a disruption. Even when they were included, it was often only post-menopausal women, seen as a more “stable” test group. It’s left a long legacy of medical misunderstanding and neglect.
Angela shared her experience of an IVF consultation, calling it “impersonal” and a “copy-paste” approach. Jennifer described the frustration of building a supplement brand in an industry still full of misinformation and male-centric assumptions.
Supplements aren’t the full story—but they can help
SISTERLY spent three years developing supplements tailored specifically to female physiology. Jennifer spoke about the behind-the-scenes challenges, being pressured to add sugar or fillers to improve taste, and the decision to hold firm on quality and science.
“The industry is still unregulated. If brands throw money at marketing, they can sell anything, regardless of what’s actually in it,” she explained.
Liberty highlighted how many of us are paying for supplements that contain cheap bulking agents or ineffective doses: “The daily recommendation for vitamin C is just to avoid scurvy. That’s not the same as optimum health.”
Energy Is Everything
SISTERLY surveyed 140 women, asking what they most wanted from a supplement. The top answer? Energy.
Jennifer pointed out the obvious: women are exhausted. “We’ve charged into our careers, but we’re still expected to carry the domestic load too. When you have energy, you can live—see your friends, go to the gym, be yourself.”
SISTERLY’s formulations are built around that need, especially with ingredients like CoQ10, a key support for mitochondrial function and energy levels.
Angela summed it up perfectly:
“We shouldn’t be hanging in by a thread. We deserve to feel well.”
Health starts with community
More than just a supplement or a diet trend, all three women agreed that real health is holistic and grounded in community.
Liberty recommended regular blood tests with your GP, staying informed, and advocating for yourself in medical spaces. “Medical misogyny is real,” she said. “Take your partner if you need to be heard.”
Health Is Personal—And Political
During the Q&A, Liberty got real about weight-loss injections. While many people are seeing benefits, she raised concerns about their popularity among GPs and the lack of understanding about the emotional roots of weight gain.
“It’s not always about what you eat,” she said. “It’s about why you eat it.”
One attendee offered a counterpoint, sharing that the jab had transformed her life and health. The moment highlighted how complex this topic is. Jennifer reminded the audience that
“Supplements bridge the gap—but if you feel something is wrong, seek medical advice.”
Another woman spoke movingly about freezing her eggs.
“Nobody told me how it would feel. In two weeks, I went from normal to third-trimester hormone levels. I felt insane.”
Liberty nodded, pointing out the continued silence around fertility side effects.
One guest summed up the night perfectly:
“Life is to be experienced, not just done. Listen to your body, prioritise your friendships, and be part of the incredible community that surrounds you.”
We couldn’t agree more.
Looking Ahead: Join WIN and Don’t Miss Our Upcoming Events
If you missed this special evening with SISTERLY and Angela Scanlon, there are plenty more opportunities to get involved. Joining WIN means becoming part of a vibrant network dedicated to supporting Irish women in London through networking events, educational talks and social gatherings.
By becoming a member, you gain exclusive access to events, discounts and a supportive community that celebrates Irish heritage and empowers women in their personal and professional lives.
Thank you so much to Angela, Jennifer, and Liberty for making the time to speak to our community, and to all the women who showed up, asked questions, and shared their stories.
Liberty’s new book is out now. To find out more or to work with Liberty, click here
Find out more about SISTERLY LAB
Have a listen to Angela’s new podcast with Vicky Pattison, Get A Grip, wherever you get your podcasts!
Interested in joining WIN?
Click here to become a member and gain access to all the incredible benefits that come with being part of our network.
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