Been gone for a minute, but the sun is back out longer, and so am I. How are y’all doing?
With everything happening in public health—from ongoing health disparities to the continued fight for equitable health care access—it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
But one thing I know for sure: Community remains at the heart of public health.
Despite the challenges we face, it’s critical that we continue advocating for the communities we serve and recognizing the leaders who are shaking tables, pushing boundaries, and making real change.
Women’s History Month
It’s Women’s History Month, so you already know I had to spotlight the incredible women shaping public health.
Women have long been the backbone of public health – shaping policies, conducting groundbreaking research, and leading frontline efforts to improve community well-being. With that, 79% of traditional governmental public health roles are held by women.
As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we must recognize and uplift the contributions of women in public health—past, present, and future—who are breaking barriers and redefining leadership in the field.
Women Leading Public Health
According to Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, women represent nearly 90% of frontline health workers globally.
Yet, despite their dominant presence in caregiving roles, women remain underrepresented in decision-making positions. The fight for equity in public health leadership is ongoing, but progress is evident as more women step into influential roles in academia, policy, and advocacy.
From Dr. Camara Phyllis Jones, a leading voice on racism and health disparities, to Dr. Rochelle Walensky, the former CDC Director navigating the COVID-19 crisis, women continue to fundamentally shape public health landscape.
Women like Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett, a key scientist behind the COVID-19 vaccine, have transformed global health, yet their names are often overlooked in mainstream narratives.
We must continue to center their work and elevate their impact.
As a public health professional and doctoral student at Johns Hopkins, this work is personal. I’ve spent years working on public health initiatives, from community engagement to policy research, always ensuring that marginalized communities have a seat at the table.
Seeing more women rise into leadership—especially women of color—is both inspiring and a reminder that we still have work to do.
Women in Public Health: Breaking Barriers
One of the biggest challenges women in public health face is balancing scientific rigor with gender bias in academia and policy-making.
A study published in the Journal of Women’s Health highlights how women researchers receive fewer grants and face higher publication rejection rates than their male counterparts. This underscores the need for institutional changes that provide more opportunities for women to thrive in research and leadership roles.
Celebrating women in public health goes beyond recognition—it’s about creating pathways for future leaders.
Mentorship, funding opportunities, and policy reforms must prioritize women, especially women of color, who often experience compounded barriers. As we honor the legacies of Florence Nightingale, Dr. Helen Rodríguez-Trías, and Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha, we must continue fostering an environment where women in public health can lead without limitations.
Call to Action: Uplifting Women in Public Health
As we recognize Women’s History Month, let’s actively support the advancement of women in public health.
Here’s how we can all contribute:
– Mentor and support women in public health careers
– Advocate for gender equity in leadership and funding
– Amplify the voices of women researchers and practitioners
– Engage in conversations about representation in healthcare
Women’s contributions to public health are not just history—they are the present and the future. Let’s continue to uplift, empower, and celebrate the incredible women shaping the world of public health.
As we move through Women’s History Month—and every month—let’s not just acknowledge the contributions of women in public health, but invest in them. Let’s challenge systems that silence their voices, push for policies that protect their work, and create spaces where they can lead unapologetically.
Because when women lead, communities thrive.
The sun is out. The work continues. And so do we!
Until next time,
Aliyha