In March, we recognize Women’s History Month, and today, March 8th, is International Women’s Day, with the 2023 theme #EmbraceEquity!
We celebrate the many diverse, passionate women across HealthierHere's staff, governing board, and network of partners who have collaboratively led and advanced our vision and work of centering equity in our systems transformation efforts since day one.
In the face of ongoing systemic attacks on women’s bodily autonomy and rights, such as the federal reversal of Roe v. Wade, we will continue to steadfastly support safe and full access to comprehensive health care for all women and girls. Even in WashingtonState where abortion is legal and protected, women’s health and access to reproductive care remain pressing issues.
For instance, in King County, pregnancy and birth complications comprise six of the top 10 leading causes of hospitalization among women. For women of color, these types of disparities are often compounded by chronic stressors due to generational and lived experiences of discrimination and systemic racism. We see this illustrated in statistics like infants born to Black mothers dying before their first birthday at twice the rate of infants born to white mothers.
Additionally, the nationwide wave of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation has now reached Washington State with the introduction of House Bill 1214, which seeks to ban all gender-affirming care for minors. This is a serious threat to the safety and dignity of transgender girls and youth in King County, who already face barriers to accessing care, which research shows contributes to higher rates of suicidal ideation/attempts as compared to their peers.
HealthierHere is proud to partner with and invest in women-led organizations across King County, and together work to co-create solutions to these issues. Meet partners in our network, and learn more about how we #EmbraceEquity.
Today and every day, we uplift the voices of the women and girls across King County to tell a story of strength, innovation, and collective action to advance equity and improve the health of our communities for generations to come.
Click the links below to find more resources and ways to engage:
King County Library System's Women's History Month Reads
Find and Support Woman-Owned Small Businesses in King County - Intentionalist