International Women’s Day: Celebrating Women’s Achievements in Health & Wellbeing

Friday 8th March is International Women’s Day! This internationally celebrated day serves as a global platform to recognise and celebrate the achievements of women across various fields, as a focal point in the women’s rights movement, and to bring attention to issues such as gender equality. This year, we’re shining a spotlight on women who have made significant contributions to the world of health and wellbeing, across our 4 zeno pillars; mental, physical, social, and financial wellbeing. These amazing women have not only broken barriers but have also paved the way for a healthier, more equitable world.

1. Dr. Helen Brooke Taussig (Cardiac Surgery): Dr. Taussig was a pioneering paediatric cardiologist who played a pivotal role in developing the first successful open-heart surgery for children with congenital heart defects. Her groundbreaking work laid the foundation for modern paediatric cardiology.

2. Florence Nightingale (Nursing): Often regarded as the founder of modern nursing, Florence Nightingale transformed the profession by emphasising cleanliness and sanitation in healthcare settings. Her work significantly reduced infection rates and improved patient outcomes.

3. Dr. Kakenya Ntaiya (Women’s Health and Education): Dr. Ntaiya founded the Kakenya Center for Excellence in Kenya, where she empowers girls through education and provides vital health resources. Her efforts have helped countless girls access quality education and healthcare.

4. Dr. Wangari Maathai (Environmental & Social Wellbeing): Dr. Maathai was an environmentalist and founder of the Green Belt Movement in Kenya. She mobilised women to plant trees and combat deforestation, addressing both environmental and social wellbeing.

5. Dr. Maya Angelou (Mental Health and Literature): Renowned poet and author Dr. Angelou used her words to address the importance of mental health and resilience. Her autobiographical work, including “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,” inspired many to seek healing and understanding.

6. Melinda Gates (Global Health and Philanthropy): Co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Melinda Gates has dedicated her life to improving global health and wellbeing. Her philanthropic efforts have led to advances in healthcare, education, and poverty reduction worldwide.

7. Ellevest and Sallie Krawcheck (Financial Wellbeing): Sallie Krawcheck, the CEO and co-founder of Ellevest, created a financial platform dedicated to helping women achieve their financial goals and invest in their future. Ellevest offers investment strategies tailored to women’s unique financial challenges and aims to close the gender investing gap, ultimately enhancing women’s financial wellbeing.

8. Dame Kelly Holmes (Physical Wellbeing): Dame Kelly Holmes is a British middle-distance runner who achieved gold medals in the 800 metres and 1500 metres at the 2004 Athens Olympics. Beyond her athletic achievements, she has actively promoted physical fitness and mental wellbeing through her charity work and motivational speaking, inspiring others to lead healthier lives.

9. Amina Mohammed (Sustainable Finance): Amina Mohammed, the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, has been a strong advocate for sustainable finance and economic development. Her work focuses on mobilising resources for sustainable development goals, promoting responsible investment, and ensuring that financial systems support environmental and social wellbeing.

10. Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha (Public Health and Advocacy): Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha is a paediatrician and public health advocate known for her courageous efforts to expose the Flint water crisis in Michigan, USA. Her research and advocacy led to critical interventions to protect the health and wellbeing of Flint’s residents, particularly its children, who were exposed to lead-contaminated water.

These remarkable women have broken barriers and reshaped the landscape of health and wellbeing. On International Women’s Day and beyond, it is essential to acknowledge the achievements of these women and the countless others who have worked tirelessly to improve health and wellbeing across the globe. Their contributions have inspired generations and continue to drive positive change in society.

However, it is also a reminder that there is still work to be done. Gender disparities persist in healthcare, education, and financial opportunities. To truly celebrate the achievements of women in health and wellbeing, it’s also important to commit to addressing these disparities, promoting gender equality, and empowering women to continue making a difference. This International Women’s Day, let’s not only honour these trail blazers but also pledge to support and uplift the women who are currently working to break barriers and advance the cause of health and wellbeing for all. Together, we can create a world where gender is no longer a barrier to achieving a healthier, more equitable future.

Do you need help implementing women’s health initiatives? Find out more about how our expert delivery team and CPD accredited health & wellbeing programmes can help!