Women of Color
Long-standing systemic inequalities including racism and inadequate access to care have led to unconscionable health disparities during the pandemic.
Statement from M. Isabelle Chaudry, Esq., Senior Policy Manager, National Women’s Health Network: House Ways and Means Committee
According to the CDC, the disproportionate burden of coronavirus felt by communities of color can be attributed to numerous structural factors. Such factors include, but are not limited to: working conditions for essential workers, a lack of paid sick leave, and uninsurance. About a quarter of the Latinx and Black populations in the United States are employed in the service industry, compared to 16% of the White population.
Skin lightening — also called skin whitening or skin bleaching — is the practice of using cosmetics to either reduce the appearance of age spots and/or discoloration or to change one’s natural complexion.[1] Skin lightening cosmetics include bleaching creams, soaps, and pills that contain compounds designed to inhibit melanin production and thereby lighten skin.[2]
Cosmetic manufacturers have a legal responsibility for the safety and labeling of their products, but many cosmetic products marketed and sold in the U.S contain toxic chemicals. These unsafe, unregulated products pose unique risks to Black women.
Women’s suffrage has been an essential factor in the advancement of women’s rights, including abortion, contraception, health care coverage, and protections against discrimination in the workplace. It is no surprise that women’s voting rights, and voting rights in general, still take center stage among feminists and civil rights activists.
Oral health is essential throughout a woman’s life, and particularly during pregnancy. But far too many women, especially low-income women and women of color, lack access to comprehensive and affordable dental insurance.
Throughout my life, there has been an expectation of perfection. Grades, tests, careers, relationships; everyone expected it all to meet a certain standard. I had fallen victim to the model minority myth.
Last January, over 5 million people participated in the worldwide protest we know now as the 2017 Women’s March, with a half-million of them marching right here in D.C.
Communities of color continue to face substantial cultural, social, and economic barriers to obtaining quality health care and achieving equitable health outcomes. Many of these racial and ethnic health disparities disproportionately impact women.