#EmbraceEquity This International Women's Day

March is Women’s History Month, and today, March 8, is International Women's Day 2023, a celebration of the achievements and contributions of women around the world. It is a time to recognize the progress that women have made in all areas of life, including public health.

This year's theme for International Women's Day and beyond - let's all fully #EmbraceEquity. The aim of the #EmbraceEquity campaign theme is to get the world talking about Why equal opportunities aren't enough. It's critical that we recognize and understand the difference between equity and equality. People start from different places, so true inclusion and belonging require equitable action. Learn more about this here.

Throughout history, women have played an essential role in advancing public health.

From pioneering research to innovative public health programs to advocating for public health policies, women have made significant contributions to the field.

We invite you to join us in celebrating the many Maine women whose work improves and promotes health. Here are just a few:

Dorothy Lavinia Brown was the first African-American woman to become a surgeon in the southeastern United States. She was also an advocate for public health and social justice. In the 1950s and 1960s, Brown worked to improve access to healthcare for marginalized communities, including African Americans and women.

Rachel Carson was an American marine biologist, conservationist, and environmental activist. Her book, Silent Spring, published in 1962, warned about the dangers of pesticide use on the environment and human health. Her work contributed to the development of modern environmental policies and the establishment of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg was a Supreme Court Justice and advocate for gender equality. She made significant contributions to public health by fighting for reproductive rights and access to healthcare, including advocating for the inclusion of contraceptive coverage in health insurance plans.

Mary-Claire King is a geneticist known for her research on the BRCA1 gene, which is associated with an increased risk of breast and ovarian cancer. Her work has led to the development of genetic testing and targeted therapies for individuals with BRCA mutations.

Florence Nightingale is considered the founder of modern nursing. During the Crimean War, Nightingale led a team of nurses who cared for wounded soldiers in terrible conditions. She worked tirelessly to improve the hygiene and standards of care for the sick and wounded. Her advocacy for hygiene and sanitation helped to reduce mortality rates and the spread of disease and contributed to the development of modern hospital design and infection control practices.

Margaret Sanger was a feminist and birth control activist who founded the American Birth Control League, which later became Planned Parenthood. Her advocacy for women's reproductive rights led to the development of modern birth control methods, which have contributed to reducing maternal and infant mortality rates.

Many Maine women have made significant contributions to public health over the years.

Here are a few examples:

Mary L. Dunlap was a nurse and public health advocate who served as the director of the Maine State Department of Public Health from 1924 to 1953. During her time in office, she was instrumental in improving the health and well-being of Maine's citizens, particularly in the areas of maternal and child health, tuberculosis control, and mental health.

Dr. Lani Graham is a family physician and public health expert who has worked on a wide range of issues, including women's health, substance misuse prevention, and health equity. She has served as the Director of the Maine Office of Substance Abuse and the Chief Medical Officer for the Maine Department of Health and Human Services.

Esther Hill Hawks was a physician and abolitionist who lived in Maine during the mid-1800s. She was one of the first African American women to earn a medical degree in the United States, and she worked tirelessly to improve the health and living conditions of African Americans living in the South during the Civil War.

Sarah Orne Jewett was a writer who lived in Maine during the late 1800s and early 1900s. Though best known for her literary works, she was also deeply committed to public health and hygiene. Jewett wrote extensively about the importance of clean water, proper sanitation, and other public health issues, and worked to promote health and well-being throughout the state.

Dr. Lisa Letourneau is the founder and executive director of Maine Quality Counts, a non-profit organization that works to improve health care quality in Maine. She has been a leader in efforts to reduce healthcare-associated infections, promote patient safety, and improve healthcare quality.

Florence Luscomb was a social worker and activist who worked to improve public health in Maine and beyond. She was a leader in the women's suffrage movement and later became a housing and public health advocate.

Dr. Dora Anne Mills is the former Director of the Maine CDC. She is a nationally recognized public health leader and has been recognized for her work on a variety of issues, including tobacco control, infectious disease control, and health equity.

Sister Mary Norberta was a public health nurse who worked in Maine in the early 20th century. She was known for her tireless efforts to provide healthcare services to the poor and underserved, and was instrumental in establishing several hospitals and nursing schools in the state.

Dr. Linda Smith is a pediatrician and public health expert who is a strong advocate for children's health, and has worked to promote vaccination, prevent childhood obesity, and reduce the impact of toxic environmental exposures on children's health.

Margaret Chase Smith was a U.S. Senator known for her advocacy of healthcare reform. She was particularly passionate about ensuring that all Americans had access to affordable, high-quality healthcare, and she played a key role in the passage of several important healthcare bills during her time in office.

These women are just a few examples of the many notable women who have contributed to the health of their commuities and beyond. Their work has had a significant impact on the lives of countless individuals, and their legacies continue to inspire future generations.

Who Inspires You?

As we celebrate the many contributions of women, let us know who inspires you. Perhaps it's a public figure, a neighbor, a friend, or family member.

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As we celebrate International Women's Day, let's choose to embrace equity in all areas, including public health. Let's recognize and celebrate the contributions of women in public health, and continue to work towards a future where everyone has equitable access to healthcare and the opportunity to lead healthy lives.