In March, the Network Celebrates…
Women's History Month Endometriosis Awareness Abortion Provider Appreciation Day Equal Pay Day
The best science, stories, and strategies related to this month’s national health themes. Check back throughout the month for new additions.
Women’s History Month
The 2024 Women’s History Month theme established by The National Women’s History Alliance is titled: “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.” The theme recognizes women throughout the country who understand that, for a positive future, we need to eliminate bias and discrimination entirely from our lives and institutions. The Network is proud to be made up of thousands of women who honor this month by advocating for high-quality, equitable health care in the U.S.
- Historical Timeline: 30 Years of Advancing Women’s Health – Check out this timeline from the National Institutes of Health that details how far the nation has come.
- Nearly 50 Years of Network Victories – And while you’re at it, take a moment to review our nearly 50 year history fighting for high quality health care for women nationwide.
- Maternal Health Movement Building with Byllye Avery – Listen to this exclusive interview with one of the mothers of Reproductive Justice as she talks about grassroots organizing, movement building, and how she started vital maternal health care centers in her home state.
- The Women Who Paved the Way for Informed Consent Laws in the U.S. – What do operations on the wrong ear, unauthorized removals of foot bones, and forced hysterectomies from 100 years ago have to do with informed consent today? Keep reading to find out.
- Pioneer Midwives, A Surgeon with a Secret, and Other Women’s Health Heroes You Probably Didn’t Learn About in School – Stories of some lesser-known women in medicine.
- Health & Wellness History with the Smithsonian – Visit their website to get conversation guides about the history of midwifery, the professionalization of medicine, Black medical professionals, and more.
Further Reading - News and Recent Articles
Endometriosis Awareness
Endometriosis happens when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (womb) grows outside of the uterus. It may affect more than 11% of American women between 15 and 44.1 It is especially common among women in their 30s and 40s and may make it harder to get pregnant.
- Action Alert! March is Endometriosis Awareness Month – Endometriosis, a condition affecting millions of women globally, often remains veiled in mystery and misconceptions. Endometriosis Awareness Month seeks to dispel the shadows, bringing knowledge, support, and understanding to the forefront. Learn how to observe here.
- Endometriosis Expert Interview – The NWHN sat down with a urogynecologist to go deep on endometriosis diagnosis and treatment. Listen to that interview and access resources here.
- Endometriosis 101 – Get answers to your most frequently asked questions about endometriosis signs, symptoms, risk factors, and treatment from the Office on Women’s Health.
- Treatment Options for Endometriosis – Get the latest on endometriosis treatment options, research, and more, from nonprofit endofound.org.
- Endometriosis Support Groups – Access virtual chats, groups, and support communities for endometriosis from the Endo Foundation.
- Endometriosis Stories – Hear from real women living with endometriosis.
Further Reading - News and Recent Articles
Abortion Provider Appreciation Day
Abortion care is a vital part of women’s health care, and yet the number of abortion providers in the U.S. has been steadily declining since 1982. Currently, 25 million women live in states with abortion bans and restrictions, and over 1.7 million women, (nearly 3%), of reproductive age live in a “double desert,” or a county without access to abortion and with no access to maternity care. Now more than ever, it is important to show appreciation to the abortion providers who are facing threats to their physical, legal, and financial safety in a post-Roe world.
- Action Alert! March 10 is Abortion Provider Appreciation Day – Here are some activities you and your friends can do to celebrate abortion providers this year.
- The NWHN Fiscal Projects All Work to Preserve Abortion Access – Learn more about these groups and the important work they are doing over at our partners page.
- Donate to Independent Abortion Clinics – These small, community-based clinics rely on individuals and communities to keep their doors open- they often don’t have the financial support, name recognition, and fundraising ability of national health centers or hospitals.
- Your Definitive Guide to Abortion Policy from the NWHN – We’ve created a one-stop shop on our website for all of our policy and advocacy materials related to abortion.
- Abortion Provider Confusion, Ethical Dilemmas in a Post-Roe World – Hear from legal and medical experts on the challenges of navigating a landscape where abortion is no longer federally protected, and how that’s playing out in Ohio.
Further Reading - News and Recent Articles
Equal Pay Day
Each year, this symbolic day is used to raise awareness around and combat the impact of pay inequities. Equal Pay Day 2024 is on March 12 and marks the current state of the gender pay gap for women: 84% for full-time, year-round workers and 78% for all workers (including part-time and seasonal).
- 5 Fast Facts on the Gender Pay Gap from the Department of Labor – Learn more about the statistics, causes, and other factors that play into the gender pay gap such as education, occupation, and age.
- Gender Pay Gap Statistics in 2024 – This deep dive Forbes article explores the current state of the pay gap, how it’s changed over time, contributing factors, and jobs with the smallest gender pay gap.
- Gender Pay Gap Reasons, Changes Over 20 Years – What has changed, what hasn’t, and why is the pay gap so persistent? Pew Research dug in.
- Occupations with the smallest gender pay gaps – Data collected by the department of labor.
- 5 Ways Managers Can Support Pregnant Employees – Parental benefits, flex time, and more.
- What Women Want from Employers – Flexible hours, pay transparency, and menopause policies.
- How to Negotiate Your Salary As a Woman – Some great tips from job search experts, feminist financial advisors, and human resources professionals.