Examining Women’s Wellness, Celebrating – The Washington Informer

Happy Women’s History Month!  

Every year, March is dedicated to honoring the accomplishments and breakthroughs of trailblazing women across the world who have laid foundations for those walking behind them.  

Despite the challenges many women face in terms of health disparities and rights, there are those working to combat issues, fight toward justice and uplift women’s wellness in the District of Columbia, nation and world.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2021 “16.4 million women were employed in the health care and social assistance industry,” making “77.6% of the total 21.2 million workers in the industry.”

When examining the industries that make up health care and social assistance, women account for roughly 84% of total employment (2.6 million) in social assistance, 75% of total employment (5.2 million) in hospitals, and 77.4% of total employment (8.3 million) in health services, except hospitals.

Among women employed in the healthcare industry,  a recent study published in Health Affairs shows that Black women are widely represented in this space, as, “more than one in five Black women in the labor force (22.4%) are employed in the health care sector.”  Within this demographic, 64.7% work in licensed practical nurse or aide occupations, with 40% working in long-term care, showing health care as a leading employer for Black women. 

Further, in the D.C. Metropolitan area, there are a host of women who have made great strides for health equity and improved wellness outcomes in their communities.  

While women dominate the health sector across the country, they are in fact the bedrock of quality of healthcare and wellness support for people and their families across the DMV.  

In honor of Women’s History Month, The Informer is dedicating this health special edition to overall women’s wellness. Learn about the future of maternal health care east of the Anacostia River as the District prepares to welcome the new Cedar Hill Hospital, and the power of practicing yoga in relation to trauma management from the ladies of Bold Yoga.  Further, as The Washington Informer commemorates 60 years of publishing, this edition also highlights “leading ladies over 60” who continue to make an impact on women’s health and wellness.

Encourage health and wellness in your community by sharing the valuable information you read.

This March and beyond, we wish you health, safety and overall wellness!