Women’s History Month

Celebrate Women’s History Month with EngenderHealth as we honor the remarkable contributions and resilience of women around the world. Join us each week as we reveal new inspirational figures and highlight their achievements, advocating for gender equality, and fostering a future where all women have the security, rights, and opportunity they deserve.

Show your support and help us reach our goal of raising $10,000 in honor of Women’s History Month and these remarkable heroines!

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A colorful grid of squares featuring different women. The center square says 'Women's History Month, March 2024' and has the EngenderHealth logo.

Wangari Maathi

As the founder of the Green Belt Movement and the first African woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004, Wangari Maathai demonstrated remarkable wisdom in advocating for sustainable development and the rights of women and marginalized communities. Her work in tree planting and vocational training initiatives not only restored the environment but also provided economic opportunities and strengthened communities. Maathai’s visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability and gender equality serve as a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of women’s rights and environmental justice, inspiring EngenderHealth to continue its mission of promoting health, dignity, and gender equality for all.

Meaza Ashenafi

Meaza Ashenafi’s impactful contributions to advancing gender equality and justice make her a beacon of inspiration for EngenderHealth during Women’s History Month. As a prominent lawyer and women’s rights advocate in Ethiopia, she has fearlessly championed the rights of women and girls. Through her pioneering work, including founding the Ethiopian Women Lawyers Association and serving as a judge on the High Court, Ashenafi has worked tirelessly to break down barriers and create a more equitable society. Her unwavering dedication to upholding the rights and dignity of women serves as a powerful example for EngenderHealth as it continues to strive for gender equity and access to healthcare for all.

Helen Rodridguez-Trias

EngenderHealth recognizes Helen Rodriguez-Trias this Women’s History Month for her pioneering work in public health and advocacy, as the first Latina president of the American Public Health Association, and a founding member of the Committee to End Sterilization Abuse and the Committee for Abortion Rights. She drafted guidelines which the US government adopted that required a woman’s written consent to sterilization procedures, and was a recipient of the Presidential Citizens Medal in 2001 for her work on behalf of women, children, and people with HIV and AIDS.

Sudha Murty

EngenderHealth is paying tribute to Sudha Murty during Women’s History Month for her outstanding contributions to social welfare and education. Murty, a prominent philanthropist and writer, has dedicated her life to improving the lives of others, particularly through her work in education and rural development. As the chairperson of the Infosys Foundation, she has spearheaded numerous initiatives to promote literacy, healthcare, and women’s empowerment in underserved communities across India. Murty’s efforts to bridge educational disparities have had a transformative impact on countless individuals, especially women and girls. EngenderHealth’s recognition of Murty underscores her enduring legacy in humanitarian work and her profound influence on shaping a more inclusive and equitable society.

Molara Ogundipe

Molara Ogundipe, a Nigerian writer, scholar, and feminist, stands as an inspirational figure for Women’s History Month. Throughout her career, Ogundipe challenged patriarchal norms and advocated for the rights and empowerment of women in Nigeria and beyond. As a pioneering voice in African feminism, her groundbreaking works, including “Feminism: The Nigerian Perspective” and “Re-Creating Ourselves: African Women & Critical Transformations,” have provided invaluable insights into the unique experiences and struggles of African women. In the latter work, she coined the term STIWA (Social Transformations in Africa Including Women). Her commitment to amplifying marginalized voices, and fostering social change continues to inspire generations of women to reclaim their agency, challenge oppressive systems, and strive for a more equitable world.

Soumya Swaminathan

EngenderHealth is celebrating Soumya Swaminathan during Women‘s History Month for her remarkable contributions to global health and medical research. As a renowned physician, researcher, and most recently as Chief Scientist at the World Health Organization, Dr. Swaminathan has done groundbreaking work in tuberculosis research and in shaping strategies for disease prevention and control. Her commitment to addressing global health challenges inspires EngenderHealth in our efforts to create a healthier and more equitable world for all.

Lia Tadesse

As a trained obstetrician-gynecologist, Lia Tadesse has leveraged her expertise to spearhead transformative initiatives aimed at improving maternal and child health outcomes in Ethiopia. She most recently served as Ethiopia’s Minister of Health from 2020 until February 2024. She led initiatives to integrate maternal health services into primary care facilities and expanded community-based healthcare programs. Her advocacy for women’s rights serves as a reminder to EngenderHealth of the impact that determined individuals can have in shaping a more equitable world for all.