Today’s Topic: Women’s History Month

In March, NOVA joins in the celebration of Women’s History Month, the annual recognition of the many contributions women have made and continue to make, often in the face of great odds. This year has as its theme “Providing Healing, Promoting Hope,” which—in the continuing shadow of the pandemic—was selected to reflect women’s historic role, and more recently their pandemic role, as caregivers whose work and advocacy brings hope to others.

A goal of the theme is also to highlight the need for women to give attention to their own care, including physical and mental health. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, “women were more likely to have gone without health care during the pandemic compared to men, and women with health and economic challenges prior to the pandemic have experienced worsening health conditions as a result of skipping health care services during the pandemic.” And, according to the Pan American Health Organization, one reason why women’s health disproportionately suffered during the pandemic is captured in the theme of Women’s History Month: their role as caregivers—both on the frontlines of health care and in their families.

More than half of NOVA students are women, as are the majority of employees in every category. As we begin the process of moving COVID from pandemic to endemic, I encourage all women in the NOVA community to use this month to make their health care a priority. If you are uncertain about your own health benefits, reach out to Human Resources, and please use this opportunity to direct our students in need to the Financial Stability and Advocacy Centers and to TimelyCare tele-mental health services.

As the poet Maya Angelou reminded us, “As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.” This Women’s History Month, let’s make sure to do both!