Office of Inclusive Excellence Monthly Highlights - March
Welcome to march!
March is Women's History Month! Women of all identities have played a crucial role in shaping public health — leading groundbreaking research, advocating for health policies, and delivering care in underserved communities. Yet, gender-based health disparities persist, disproportionately affecting women from marginalized backgrounds, including queer and trans women, and particularly trans women of color. From barriers in reproductive healthcare, chronic disease prevention, and affirming healthcare access, systemic inequities continue to impact women’s well-being.
As leaders in public health, we must continue to be aware of — and find solutions to — these inequities as we continue to improve the health outcomes for all.
Cancer Screening Gaps: Women from low-income backgrounds and communities of color experience lower rates of preventive screenings, leading to higher mortality from breast and cervical cancer. Additionally, rural communities also face the brunt; for example, the incidence rates of cervical cancer are much higher in people who live in rural Appalachia than in those who live in urban areas in the region. (National Cancer Institute)
LGBTQIA+ Health Disparities: Nearly 50% of transgender individuals report having to educate their healthcare providers on their medical needs, and trans women of color face some of the highest barriers to gender-affirming care. (The Trevor Project)
Mental Health Disparities: Women of color, queer women, and trans women are less likely to receive mental health treatment due to systemic barriers, stigma, and discrimination in healthcare settings. (National Institutes of Health)
Where We Take Action
At GWSPH, we are committed to closing these gaps through research, education, and community partnerships. We believe that achieving health equity requires both institutional change and grassroots advocacy. Join us in supporting initiatives that promote better health outcomes for all women.
Support Women’s Health Initiatives
Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health (AIM): A national, cross-sector commitment designed to support best practices that make birth safer, improve maternal health outcomes and save lives.
Black Mamas Matter Alliance: Works to improve maternal health outcomes and reproductive justice.
SisterSong: Advocates for reproductive justice for women of color.
Engage Locally
EngenderHealth: Provides services in family planning, maternal health, and gender equality.
Whitman Walker Clinic Transgender Health Program: Hormone therapy (MtF and FtM), general clinical services and health care, STD/HIV screening, therapy, referrals, etc.
Get Involved
Planned Parenthood of Metropolitan Washington: Provides reproductive health services and advocacy.
Mamatoto Village: Offers support for pregnant and parenting women to improve health outcomes.
Here at GWU
Center for Excellence in Maternal and Child Health at the Milken Institute School of Public Health: Focuses on improving maternal and child health outcomes and reducing health disparities.
GW Cancer Center: Works on cancer prevention and addressing disparities, including cervical cancer care.
Jacob's Institute of Women's Health: Studies aspects of healthcare and public health, including legal and policy issues, that affect women’s health at different life stages.
Honoring Women in Public Health
Women's History Month is a time to honor the achievements, strength, and influence of women who have made remarkable contributions to public health.
Join us in celebrating trailblazers such as Dr. Wangari Maathai, a renowned environmental and political activist, and the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize; Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, a prominent physician and researcher who has led global health initiatives; Dr. Rachel Levine, a pioneering advocate for transgender health and the first openly transgender federal official to be confirmed by the Senate; and our own Dean Lynn Goldman, a leader in environmental health and the first woman to serve as Dean of the George Washington University School of Public Health. These women have shaped public health policy, research, and advocacy around the world.
Health equity is at the core of public health, and together, we can work toward a future where all women — regardless of race, income, sexuality, gender identity, or background — receive the care and support they deserve. Let’s use this month as a time for learning, reflection, and action toward a healthier, more just world.
In Solidarity,
Rachel Thomas (She/her)
Director, Office Of Inclusive Excellence (OIE)
upcoming events
SEAS Women's History Booth
In recognition of Women's History Month, explore women's significant role in the engineering world. Every Wednesday in March, stop by the first floor of SEH for a snack and discover how women engineers have shaped the future through their creativity and determination. Engage with their groundbreaking achievements and contributions to society!
Movie Night March 18 — Everybody's Work: Healing What Hurts Us All
Join GWSPH and the School of Nursing on
Tuesday, March 18 from 5:30 - 7:30 pm EST
as we host a screening of Everybody's Work: Healing What Hurts Us All — a film about a group of fearless nurses brave enough to dismantle structural racism within healthcare. It reminds us all that it’s everybody’s responsibility to stand up and speak out.
The 90-minute film will be followed immediately by a panel of experts to discuss from their own experiences in the healthcare system how to navigate, and tackle, health inequity.
Movie Night snacks will be provided!
Professional Enhancement (PE) eligible.
Her Story, Her Impact — GSEHD's Asian/Asian American Female Faculty Share their Journeys in Scholarship and Leadership
Join us for a special Women's History Month event celebrating the important contributions of Asian and Asian American female professors at the Graduate School of Education and Human Development (GSEHD).
March 19, 2025 • 1:00 - 2:30 pm • via Zoom
Our distinguished faculty will share their personal journeys into academia, their research passions, and their projects that help shape the future of education and human development. The conversation will continue with a dynamic exchange of questions among the professors, followed by an audience Q&A. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from and connect with these outstanding scholars.
GW Girl Up Women's History Month Gala
This is our annual Women's History Month Gala on
Sunday, March 30 2025 at 7:00 pm
where we will be hearing from a panel of women leaders from various about their career and life experiences, offering advice for a future generation of female leaders.
There will be about an hour of questions followed by a reception with refreshments, where students can ask personal questions and network. You don't want to miss it!
What's Happening Around Campus
in the news
GW's Inaugural Open Source Conference
April 11, 2025
GW’s Open Source Program hosted its inaugural Open Source Conference with Keith Crandall, professor in DBB, as the keynote speaker as highlighted in the GW Today.
GWSPH Celebrates National Public Health Week with Community, Conversation, and Action
April 11, 2025
GWSPH Celebrates National Public Health Week with Community, Conversation, and Action