Women's Health Advocacy

As the semester comes to an end, we want to celebrate by honoring the women who have made significant contributions through their advocacy for women's health.

Elizabeth Blackwell

Blackwell made history as the first woman in America to earn a medical degree.1 Her inspiration to enter the field of medicine came from a dying friend, who expressed that her suffering might have been eased if she had been treated by a female physician.1 Despite the obstacles she faced as a woman in a male-dominated profession, Blackwell went on to establish clinics and a medical college, paving the way for countless women to follow their dreams in medicine. 

 Mary Beatrice Davidson Kenner

Mary Kenner dedicated her life to creating inventions that simplified everyday tasks for people.2 One of her most significant contributions was the sanitary belt, a groundbreaking innovation in menstrual care.2 In the 1920s, most Americans relied on homemade menstrual products made from cloth and rags, a practice that had been common for centuries.2 Commercial products like Kotex pads were typically used only when leaving the house for work or school, but they were often criticized for being "too large, too long, too thick, and too stiff," with users prioritizing comfort and protection above all else.2 Kenner's sanitary belt aimed to address these issues. Her design securely held a pad in place in a "highly efficient manner" while being "easy to use." The patent highlighted adjustable straps that allowed users to position the belt for maximum comfort, reducing common problems like chafing and irritation that plagued other products on the market.2 Later, Kenner improved her invention by filing another patent for a "sanitary belt with a moisture-proof pocket," which further minimized the risk of leaks and stains on clothing. Her innovations marked a significant step forward in menstrual hygiene and comfort.2

Chelsea von Chaz

Chelsea co-founded #HappyPeriod in 2015 with her mother, Cheryl-Lucy Warner, establishing the first ever Black-led menstrual movement. Her mission is to promote menstrual equity and education, fostering comfortable and inclusive environments for all who menstruate.3 Passionate about destigmatizing conversations around periods, Chelsea advocates for Black, Latinx, Indigenous identifying women, girls, femmes, and gender diverse humans. Her commitment to period equity was sparked after witnessing an unhoused woman free-bleeding while crossing the street, driving her to increase access to menstrual products for all.4 She places a strong focus on younger individuals, empowering them with knowledge about their bodies and menstrual health. Continuously working to expand the conversation around menstruation, Chelsea advocates for more diverse and inclusive discussions.3 Her latest initiative, Menärchē, is a menstrual product marketplace that supports smaller period product brands committed to menstrual equity. It also provides shame-free, inclusive education about periods, ensuring that people of all backgrounds have the resources and knowledge they need.3

Rachael Newton

In 2019, Racheal founded nixit, a brand dedicated to sustainable menstruation. The company’s signature product is a disc-shaped, one-size-fits-all reusable menstrual cup. It is designed to offer a comfortable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional period products.5 Racheal’s journey with menstrual cups began as a way to reduce waste, but she struggled to find one that fit properly. This challenge inspired her to create a suction-free design, making removal easier and more comfortable.6 With the average tampon user going through up to 11 000 tampons in their lifetime, Rachael built nixit with sustainability in mind.5 By switching to a reusable menstrual disc, users can significantly reduce plastic waste and lessen their environmental impact. Beyond offering a practical solution, Rachael is passionate about menstrual equity and education. She fosters open, judgement-free conversations about menstruation.5 She aims to destigmatize periods and empower people to make informed choices about their menstrual health. By providing a safe, sustainability, and easy-to-use option, nixit helps individuals take control of their bodies and their cycles.5

References

1. Michals, D. Biography: Elizabeth Blackwell. National women's history museum. Published 2015. Accessed March 11, 2025. https://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/elizabeth-blackwell#:~:text=The%20first%20woman%20in%20America,own%20medical%20college%20for%20women.

2. Rebecca Raven. Happy birthday Mary Kenner! Science Museum. Published May 17, 2021. Accessed March 11, 2025. https://blog.sciencemuseum.org.uk/happy-birthday-mary-kenner/

3. Axtman R. Period Equity Heroines: Chelsea VonChaz. Saalt. Published January 30, 2023.https://saalt.com/blogs/news/period-equity-heroines-chelsea-vonchaz?srsltid=AfmBOopRK-Czz9-WAfAVdwsj65ZyggiJF-OEkpBlFL28WxaZHTsHaCZC

4. Chelsea VonChaz. Chelsea VonChaz. https://www.chelseavonchaz.com/

5. nixit canada. nixit | best-selling menstrual disc + clean wellness essentials. Nixit Canada. https://nixit.ca/

6. Hannah L. Why This Lawyer Quit Practising to Sell Period Products. Canadian Business. Published June 1, 2023. https://canadianbusiness.com/people/best-menstrual-cups-canada-nixit/