This week on the #TOBcommunity spotlight, we would like you to meet Zachi Brewster. Zachi is an abortion doula + creator of Dopo Support which provides holistic support before, during and after abortions for all abortion experiences. She also wears many other hats including being a trustee at BiPride UK, a Telefriending Volunteer at Opening Doors London and a Co-Facilitator at Safe Spaces for Black Women. No matter what she’s working on, Zachi’s work aligns with her personal mission to improve reproductive and sexual health services for all.
How do you / your organisation support and celebrate marginalised people?
Dopo is an international community redefining what a successful abortion looks like by centring people and their emotional and physical care before, during and after an abortion. Plus, we provide honest, inclusive abortion education and training for everyone.
We challenge the narrative that there are good, bad, acceptable or unacceptable abortions; People have abortions, and we support them - regardless of age, race, gender, sexuality, religion, disability or socio-economic background.
What can we expect from you in the coming months?
Lots of things! First and foremost, thanks to the support from Co-operatives UK, Dopo will become a cooperative and bring together those who have had abortions and those who provide abortion care to collectively work together to improve abortion care and education.
Then we have our second international Abortion Doula Training starting in November along with our private training for abortion support organisations.
And finally, we are also hoping to develop our in-school education program in 2022.
Favourite quote that sums up your philosophy on life:
I approach my life and work in a similar way that Minna Salami wrote the book ‘Sensuous Knowledge: A Black Feminist Approach fo Everyone’. She says:
‘I did not want to write a protest book; I wanted to write a progress book. By progress I refer to all three meanings of the word: first, something unfinished; second, onward movement; and third, raising consciousness together.’
What’s your secret superpower?
Giving myself permission to express my full spectrum of emotion has opened up my world! It’s what led me to change careers, find my purpose in life (for now) and create a job that is meaningful to me and necessary in our community. It’s also how I’m able to hold intentional spaces for others to be seen in a world that would have them hide away.
Describe yourself in 3 words:
Talkative. Intuitive. Curious.
Where can people find you?
Instagram: @zaz.brw | @doposupport
Twitter: @BrewsterZachi | @doposupport
LinkedIn: Zachi Brewster
Website: www.wearedopo.com
The Other Box community, aka #TOBcommunity, is an intersectionally inclusive global community, where the voices and experiences of the most marginalised in society are prioritised. It’s a place where our members share opportunities, events, resources, and seek advice and support. Join us at www.facebook.com/groups/theotherbox