February 28, 2022

Empower Women’s Wellness this Women’s History Month

March is Women’s History Month, an annual opportunity to observe and celebrate the vital role of women in American history.

In considering the legacy of women’s health care activism and accomplishment during Women’s History Month, we are reminded that women’s empowerment in achieving health equity for themselves is a fundamental human right and an ongoing movement.

The Covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated existing disparities in access to health care and information, particularly for women of color who face multiple barriers to opportunity.

According to the CDC, health equity is achieved when every person has the opportunity to attain their full health potential and no one is disadvantaged from achieving this potential because of their social position or other socially determined circumstances.

At the UW Combined Fund Drive, we stand with, support, and celebrate all women. We envision a world where women are healthy, safe, heard and empowered.

Women’s health equity is crucial to all aspects of our lives. Empowered women are more likely to access health services and have control over their reproductive rights, and are less likely to suffer domestic violence. Research has shown that when women thrive and are supported, entire communities also thrive.

Practice Social Wellness

Social wellness is an essential facet of overall health. Several studies have found that women with a strong social network live longer lives, cope better with stress, and maintain good health.

As the Harvard Women’s Health Watch reported, “Dozens of studies have shown that people who have satisfying relationships with family, friends and their community are happier, have fewer health problems, and live longer.”

Related: How to Practice Positive Affirmations – and Why They Work (UW Medicine Right as Rain)

Practicing social wellness can be emotional, physical, or informational; regardless, the practice can enhance quality of life for those on both the giving and receiving end. Developing positive social habits and a social wellness toolkit can ultimately help one stay healthier mentally, physically, and emotionally.

Learn More

• A Vision for Women’s Health Equity (Coalition for Women’s Health Equity)
• WHO Pledges Extensive Commitments towards Women’s Empowerment and Health (World Health Organization)
• Our Vision for Gender Equity in Health (Partners in Health)

Support

Consider making a one-time contribution or setting up payroll deduction to one of our member organizations working to empower women in the pursuit of their healthiest selves:

The UW Alene Moris Women’s Center (charity code 0315815) partners to build a culture of social justice, equity and non-violence, both domestically and globally through educational programs, advising, counseling, life skills training, and encouraging positive change in public policy.

Sisters Network (charity code 1478545): A national African American breast cancer survivorship organization. Speaking with one voice, we save lives by empowering women through support, education, providing financial resources and promoting early detection through mammography screening.

Black Women’s Health Imperative (charity code 1482760): BWHI is a national nonprofit founded on the campus of Spelman college in 1983 as the only national organization dedicated to improving the health and wellness of the nation’s 21 million black women and girls physically, emotionally and financially.

BABES Network YWCA (charity code 0316151): is a Seattle-based peer support program for women and families affected by HIV. BABES’s mission is to reduce isolation and promote self-empowerment.

Dignity for Divas (charity code 1482940) supports women across the Puget Sound transitioning out of homelessness through the use of a self-care platform that creates pathways to success.

End Violence against Women (charity code 1478206): provides effective, victim-centered, multidisciplinary training and expert consultation regarding crimes of sexual assault and domestic violence.

Planned Parenthood of the Great Northwest (Charity Code: 0316032): is a not-for-profit family planning agency that provides high-quality, affordable reproductive health care for women, men and teens in 29 counties in Alaska, Idaho and western Washington.

Care Net Pregnancy and Family Services of Puget Sound (charity code 0316216): Offering hope by providing compassionate practical care, accurate information and life-affirming resources for needs relating to pregnancy, sexual health and abortion recovery.

Consejo Counseling and Referral Service (charity code 0337159): Award winning, Latino focused, multi-service agency whose services transform, strengthen, and empower. Core programs: Mental Health, Domestic Violence/ Sexual Assault, Youth Families, Substance Abuse, Transitional Housing.

Harborview Center for Sexual Assault and Traumatic Stress (charity code 0319580): provides 24/7 care for sexual assault and medical forensic consultation. Also offers therapy services and Foster Care Assessment Program (FCAP).

King County Sexual Assault Resource Center (charity code 0316249): serves survivors and their families throughout King County with a 24/7 hotline to offer support and provide information to aid in deciding next steps.

Abused Deaf Women’s Advocacy Services (charity code 0316138): provides community education, and advocacy on system and policy issues while empowering Deaf and Deafblind sexual assault survivors.

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) (charity code 0330527): is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness.

Safe Harbor Free Clinic (charity code 1481830) offers free medical care and dental services to any person in need.