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What can I do to change the system? I am often asked questions at my speaking engagements that aren’t phrased precisely like that question, but are essentially that. As most of you know, I often talk about workplaces and culture and speak to people who feel frustrated, burned out, or uninspired by their work. They want to do something, but they aren’t sure how they can possibly change the big picture when they feel so small. Yet, I always try to remind everyone that we all have agency, even when faced with situations that feel insurmountable. That’s kinda my thing, and I love it.
I found myself thinking about all of that as I lay in a hospital bed awaiting surgery last week. I was in the midst of a different system that needs a lot of change: healthcare. Specifically, the women’s healthcare system.
In a world designed for men, the healthcare industry is not alone in how it neglects women’s interests and well-being. By nearly every metric, women’s health is deprioritized compared to men’s health. Here’s a snapshot:
Why is this the state of things? Well, first and foremost, patriarchy. But more specifically, I think we underestimate the effect that politicizing women’s bodies has on the entire system of health and care for women. By allowing politicians to make life-and-death decisions about situations and people they don’t know or understand in order to satisfy their agenda, we are relegating women to second-class citizenship. If women aren’t allowed the autonomy and respect to make decisions about their bodies, there is a suggestion that we are less than. And the thing is, the results aren’t just that women feel bad or excluded. We actually suffer physically and psychologically. We’re told our symptoms aren’t real (because so few doctors understand the intricacies of women’s health), that our pain is manageable (despite us saying otherwise over and over), or that it’s all in our heads (because it’s never been “proven” by medical studies). Over the years, all that denial can lead to the actual worsening of our health and built-up shame and frustration with our bodies.
I sometimes think of my mom when I think about our country’s incessant conflation of abortion rights and women’s healthcare. She was a Catholic doctor who started practicing in 1960. She witnessed many degrees of government control and individual freedoms over her years and always stood by her belief that more women and babies died when women did not have access to comprehensive reproductive healthcare. And yes, that includes abortions. Though she was radically pro-life, she saw how health and life outcomes improved when women had the freedom to pursue the healthcare that was best for them. She was adamant that things are worse for women when their health is left up to politicians and are not treated like the fully capable humans we are.
Systems are hard to change because they are complex and intertwined. I understand that perhaps more than most because, as an outspoken, antiracist gay woman, I am constantly butting up against them. But we can’t continue with a system that does not work for the very people it’s built to help. Women’s healthcare is underfunded, women are under-listened to, our symptoms are oversimplified, and our experiences are overlooked. We hear people talking about women’s health all the time in the political sphere, yet the system, and often the people within the system, don’t serve women.
But, just like in my conversations about workplaces, I believe we can do something about this system. Here’s how I think we can show up to improve women’s healthcare.
Advocate: Speak up and raise awareness about the discrepancy in funding and attention between women’s and men’s health. That is what I’m trying to do with this essay. We will get louder one by one, and the topic will get more traction.
Share information: As you learn data or have experiences with providers, share it with friends, insurance representatives, doctors, and anyone who will listen. Let people know if something you think should be covered by insurance but isn’t. If you find a solution to a problem, broadcast it because it’s likely that not all doctors know about it.
Support policy change: I know people want to stay away from politics, but the reality is policies make a big difference in the outcomes people experience. Contact your local and state politicians and let them know you support women and their right to equitable healthcare.
Take part in studies: I know not everyone can do this, but if you can and want to, ask your doctors what studies are available.
Connect with lobbying organizations: Great organizations already advocate for women’s health. Locate the ones that resonate with you and donate, share your story so they have faces to support their statistics, and talk about their work with your social circles.
Be vocal at your doctor’s office: Your doctor’s appointments are not the place to follow the demure and mindful meme. Be loud and ask questions. You’re worthy of any time and energy required to get answers. And while I hate placing more burden on you, be heard. Make sure the doctor, surgeon, nurse, or whoever listens to your experience, and if they don’t, go up the chain of command.
Support the Society for Women’s Health Research (SWHR): Through its core functions of science, policy, and education, SWHR works to optimize women’s health. They also have a lot of resources and programs that predominantly affect women.
And, if you’re a man, there is room for you here, too! You can:
Educate yourself and others: Believe there is a gender disparity. If you doubt it right now, that’s okay! There is plenty of data and research to show you a snapshot of what women face at the doctor’s office. Then share what you learn.
Be an ally: Champion investments in and commitments to women’s right to autonomy and the health choices that are best for them. We need male voices to draw attention to this because, sadly, men’s voices are heard more. We need men to financially support organizations that promote women’s autonomy. Use your position of influence to help others.
Ask questions: Ask doctors and insurance providers about how they support women’s healthcare options. The more men who inquire about women’s options, the more the topic becomes part of healthcare, not sidelined into the women’s section.
Talk about it: Don’t be afraid to talk about women’s health—it affects literally every woman you know. I know words like tampon, vagina, breasts, and uterus might feel like health class vocab to you, but they are our everyday experiences.
After my recent procedure, the surgeon validated something that I had complained about for decades to numerous doctors. Every time I made the complaint, I was met with, at best, indifference and, at worst, the line, “It hurts because you don’t embrace your womanhood.” I have been dehumanized, demoralized, and traumatized for years because none of my doctors understood my (female) body and didn’t take the time to even listen to or consider what I was telling them about my very real experience.
Undermining women’s ability to control our health undermines our ability to control our lives and outcomes. When we limit women’s rights to define their own path to care, we create less powerful women and reinforce a deeply flawed healthcare system that is supposed to support them. If you’re a woman, believe that you’re not the only one going through whatever you’re going through. We’re just made to think our symptoms and experiences are an anomaly.
I know there is a lot to pay attention to these days, but I’m urging you to think about the ways women are continually considered less than. I’m asking for us to start noticing how this messy system that already doesn’t fully understand women’s bodies is making it even less likely that our children will experience anything better than we did. I truly believe small steps are how we collectively make big change. What can you do to help?
If you want to explore the topic further, check out the book “Invisible Women: Data Bias in a World Designed for Men.” The book looks at hundreds of studies in the US, the UK, and around the world in a groundbreaking exposé that will change how you see the world around you.
October is National Women's Small Business Month. Women face significant headwinds when starting and sustaining businesses: less funding support, barriers to networking opportunities, and a lack of resources. Additionally, women entrepreneurs juggle societal expectations like balancing family responsibilities, which further complicates running a business. Despite these challenges, women continue to overcome the odds, driving innovation, and creating inclusive workplaces.
October is also LGBTQIA+ History Month, a time to honor the contributions and struggles of LGBTQIA+ individuals throughout history. With these stories, we can see the resilience, achievements, and activism that have shaped the movement for equality. Despite the progress, LGBTQIA+ individuals still face obstacles, including discrimination in the workplace, healthcare inequities, and the ongoing battle for legal protections, particularly for transgender and non-binary people. Celebrating their history this month keeps the spotlight on these issues, educates people, and fosters greater acceptance, inclusivity, and representation.
Conscious capitalism gives us an opportunity to be aware and to intentionally support businesses that align with our values—for me that means places that embody the spirit of entrepreneurship, inclusivity, and community impact. Below are a few fantastic women, LGBTQIA+, and POC-owned businesses I'd like to recommend in the Twin Cities area. Share your own recommendations on your social networks and in your communities and neighborhoods. Small businesses need us. For more than just one month out of the year.
A co-working space founded by four awesome women in Minneapolis, The Coven is dedicated to empowering women, POC, and LGBTQIA+ individuals. They provide an inclusive environment with three locations in the Twin Cities. Their mission is to create spaces where everyone feels welcome, valued, and able to bring their full selves to work. They also offer professional development resources and support for marginalized communities.
A one-woman, queer-owned vintage shop, Tandem Vintage in South Minneapolis offers a unique collection of fashion pieces from the 1950s to the 1990s. Owner Amanda Baumann curates colorful, nostalgic clothing and accessories for those with a passion for vintage styles.
Visit Tandem Vintage’s website
This Black, queer, and woman-owned bookstore based in St. Paul is dedicated to amplifying the voices of BIPOC authors. Black Garnet Books offers a thoughtfully curated selection of contemporary literature for adults and young adults, with a focus on representation and diversity.
Urban Growler is Minnesota’s first woman-owned microbrewery. Co-founders Deb Loch and Jill Pavlak built their St. Paul brewery with a focus on creating a welcoming, inclusive community. They offer delicious beer and a great space to connect with others.
This queer-owned multi-purpose space in Minneapolis is both a retail shop and an artistic hub. They offer crystals, gender-neutral apparel, and accessories. It's a perfect blend of creativity and inclusivity, and a key spot for exploring local art and culture.
I'm thrilled to be the keynote speaker at the Inspiring Bold Women Event on October 24th, hosted by Blaze Credit Union at Allianz Field! I'll be talking about how to "Kick Your Fear in the Face" and help you unleash your full potential. Join me for an incredible day of inspiration, panel discussions, and breakout sessions with powerful women leaders. Plus, there's an opportunity to give back through Dress for Success!
It’s free, but space is limited. Don't miss it!
Later on October 24th, I’m hosting a fundraiser at Clockwork to support Family Equality and their mission to advance legal and lived equality for LGBTQ+ families. It’s a chance to come together, have a great time, and contribute to a vital cause. We’ll have drinks, snacks, some surprise speakers and the very best company. You’ll need to register to attend, and if you can’t make it, you can still donate to help make a difference.
Sign up for the event or donate here!
Women: If you're looking to expand your network and sharpen your leadership skills, the RSP Fall Experience is a must! It’s a dynamic event packed with opportunities to learn from industry experts, connect with like-minded professionals, and grow your career toolbox. You’ll leave inspired and better equipped to tackle any challenge. This is one event you don’t want to miss!
Check out the details and sign up at the RSP website.
Voting is your power, and early voting is starting soon! Make sure you're registered, find your polling place, and decide whether to vote early or on Election Day—just be sure to vote.
And don’t stop there! Drive your neighbors to the polls, volunteer to phone-bank, or help others find their voting locations. Democracy thrives when we all show up—so let’s ensure everyone has the chance to make their voice count.
Check everything you need at CanIVote.org.
I've been working hard to bring fresh content to TikTok and YouTube, and I’d love for you to join me on both platforms! I’ve got tons of surprises in the works, and I promise it’s only going to get better from here—seriously, you're not going to want to miss this!
Subscribe to my YouTube channel.
