Former First Lady Michelle Obama shared remarks as a guest speaker at the International Women of Courage Award ceremony in March 2009. During the event, she shared this powerful quote about the significance of women’s health: “Communities and countries and ultimately the world are only as strong as the health of their women.” This quote rings true as many advocates across the U.S.—and specifically, in Ohio—have been supporting for advancement in women’s health.
Communities and countries and ultimately the world are only as strong as the health of their women.
Reproductive health across the lifespan
For many years, The Center for Community Solutions has been advocating for maternal health, which is under the umbrella of reproductive health. However, there are more health concerns within reproductive health across the lifespan—from period poverty to the menopausal spectrum—that are getting attention as well.
Black and Hispanic women experience menopausal symptoms nearly two times longer than white, Chinese, and Japanese women. In more concrete terms, Black and Hispanic women suffer from menopausal symptoms for at least 10 years! In the U.S., one out of three adults and one in four teenagers struggle to afford period products, especially among teenagers of color and lower-income households. How can health care professionals, advocates, and other individuals passionate about reproductive health solve these issues?
One out of three adults and one in four teenagers struggle to afford period products.
Exploring reproductive health issues to inform advocacy
Over the next few months, Community Solutions will release issue briefs about reproductive health problems. Issues include period poverty, fibroids, and the menopausal spectrum. We will provide some level setting on each reproductive health issue and explain how it affects women and girls at various stages of and across the lifespan. Statistics, health disparities, legislation, and whether health insurances cover reproductive health conditions will be explored. We will also describe some solutions to these health issues.
With this reproductive health series, Community Solutions hopes to encourage individuals to learn more about these health problems and to advocate for legislation and the implementation of interventions. By doing so, we can all contribute to ensuring that women and girls are healthy enough for our communities to thrive.
