Gender Equity

Abraham L. B. Freeman ’20 led efforts to ensure equitable COVID-19 vaccine distribution in rural Harrisburg Township, Liberia. By training 60 traditional midwives to spread vaccine safety information, he addressed the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on rural women, who are key caregivers.

In the lead-up to G20 India, Shubha Nagesh ’19 called for increased safety for women in the healthcare workforce, greater participation of women in their sexual and reproductive rights, and leadership in midwifery and nursing.

To provide a comprehensive understanding of nutrition to women in rural India, Monalisa Padhee ’19 created a Women's Wellness Curriculum focused on nutrition and menstrual and reproductive health. The curriculum employs simple, practical, and interactive tools like group discussions, pictures, infographics, videos, and games that are accessible for semi-illiterate women.

Lindsey Pollaczek ’19shared her transformative experience of meeting Celestina, a Tanzanian woman who suffered from an obstetric fistula. This encounter deeply moved Lindsey, shaping her life's work and fueling her passion for ensuring women receive vital care. Through her efforts, Lindsey aims to guarantee that women like Celestina get the care they need and deserve, advancing a broader vision of a future without fistulas.

Maria Portela ’17 wrote an opinion piece in The Baltimore Sun highlighting the high rates of burnout, discrimination, and suicide among women physicians due to the unique challenges they face in balancing demanding medical careers with personal responsibilities. She suggests changing the culture by investing in mentorship, establishing non-retaliatory support systems for those needing help, and ensuring equal parental leave and work-life balance policies.

Kuhika Seth ’23studied the vulnerability to STI/HIV among adolescent girls and young women in India, discovering that power dynamics within partner relationships, including the age and educational background of the partner, play a crucial role in influencing STI/HIV risk. One possible solution is life skills training that emphasizes sharing knowledge about sexual health.