Just a few days ago TIME unveiled its inaugural TIME100 Health list, spotlighting the 100 most influential individuals in the realm of health. To assemble this list, TIME reporters and editors spent months consulting sources and experts around the world to select the 100 individuals who are most influential in the world of health right now. The result is the TIME100 Health, a community of leaders from across industries—scientists, doctors, advocates, educators and policy-makers, among others—dedicated to creating tangible, credible change for a healthier world.
Among these remarkable individuals, several women stand out for their contributions to women’s health and well-being. And today we want to introduce you to some of them.
7 Women Leading the Charge for Women’s Health
1. Raluca Cohen: Revolutionizing Diagnostics with Saliva
In a world where saliva was once overlooked in diagnostics, Raluca Cohen and her team at Salignostics have turned the tide with their groundbreaking innovation, the SaliStick oral pregnancy test. By harnessing the power of saliva, Cohen has made pregnancy testing more accessible and convenient, offering a glimpse into the vast potential of saliva-based diagnostics beyond just pregnancy. Their relentless pursuit of innovation exemplifies a commitment to transforming women’s healthcare experiences.
2. Dr. Uché Blackstock: Championing Health Equity
Dr. Uché Blackstock, CEO of Advancing Health Equity, is on a mission to address the stark racial disparities in healthcare. Recognizing the profound underrepresentation of Black women in medicine, Blackstock’s consultancy works with major institutions to eradicate unconscious biases and promote equitable healthcare practices. Her advocacy extends beyond medical circles, with her best-selling book “Legacy” serving as a powerful call to action for dismantling systemic barriers to health equity.
3. Halle Berry: Amplifying the Voices of Menopausal Women
Renowned actor and director Halle Berry has emerged as a leading voice in advocating for menopausal women’s rights. Through her wellness platform, Re-Spin, Berry seeks to destigmatize menopause and elevate public awareness of its challenges. Her efforts extend to Capitol Hill, where she lobbies for increased research and support for midlife women’s health. By shining a spotlight on this often-overlooked life stage, Berry empowers women to embrace and celebrate their menopausal journey.
4. Dr. Alaa Murabit: Redefining Women’s Health as Economic Empowerment
As the director of global health advocacy at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Dr. Alaa Murabit reframes women’s health as a catalyst for economic growth. By emphasizing the economic benefits of closing the gender health gap, Murabit advocates for increased investments in women’s healthcare infrastructure worldwide. Her visionary approach highlights the intrinsic link between women’s health and societal prosperity, paving the way for transformative change on a global scale.
5. Jaha Dukureh: Fighting to End Female Genital Mutilation
Jaha Dukureh, founder of Safe Hands for Girls, is at the forefront of the battle against female genital mutilation (FGM). Her tireless advocacy efforts have led to significant strides in ending this harmful practice, including the landmark ban on FGM in her native Gambia. Despite facing resistance from cultural and religious leaders, Dukureh remains steadfast in her commitment to safeguarding women’s bodily autonomy and reproductive rights.
6. Rebeca Ramos: Securing Reproductive Rights in Mexico
Rebeca Ramos, executive director of GIRE, played a pivotal role in overturning Mexico’s draconian abortion laws, marking a historic victory for reproductive rights. Her advocacy extends beyond legal reforms, encompassing grassroots activism and support for women facing reproductive health challenges. Ramos’ unwavering dedication to securing bodily autonomy for all women exemplifies the power of collective action in advancing women’s health rights.
7. Carolee Lee: Driving Investments in Women’s Health Research
Carolee Lee, founder of Women’s Health Access Matters (WHAM), is on a mission to close the gender gap in medical research funding. Through innovative collaborations and data-driven advocacy, Lee advocates for increased investments in women’s health research, citing the potential economic benefits of prioritizing women’s healthcare. Her groundbreaking initiatives pave the way for a future where women’s health is not just a priority but a cornerstone of societal well-being.
Driving Change in Women’s Health
The inaugural TIME100 Health list serves as a testament to the transformative power of individuals dedicated to championing women’s health. From revolutionizing diagnostics to advocating for reproductive rights, these women are leading the charge towards a more equitable and inclusive healthcare landscape. As we celebrate their achievements, let us also recognize the urgent need and our own roles in continueing to support and amplify voices that prioritize women’s health on a global scale. Our work has only just begun.
