International Women’s Day — Focusing on health and safety during the pandemic

Happy International Women’s Day! Celebrated on March 8, International Women’s Day lifts up the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women worldwide and calls for action to speed up gender equality.

This year’s theme is “Choose to Challenge.” One specific mission this year is “assist women to be in a position of power to make informed decisions about their health.” This is something that many of us at the Washington State Health Care Authority get to do through our work every day.

Many areas in women’s health have seen steady gains and improvements over the years. However, alcohol use and misuse in women is increasing, and some research shows heavy use of alcohol has increased for women during the COVID-19 pandemic. Alcohol use is related to accidents, sleep disturbances and increased anxiety. In fact, women experience higher risks from alcohol use than men for alcohol use disorder, breast cancer, liver damage, heart disease, and brain damage.1

Even though alcohol use can be dangerous, the media continues to send messages that women, especially mothers, should use alcohol to destress and socialize. Research has shown that the alcohol industry has used this to increase products and marketing directly to women.

Worldwide, women are pushing back. Trends like “Dry January” and “Sober Curious” are being led by groups of women interested in focusing on their health and safety.

Some healthy ways to destress are yoga, meditation, physical activity, and finding ways to connect with the people you care about.

Need support?

Coronavirus.wa.gov provides resources for mental health and well-being during COVID-19.

Washington Listens provides support to people who feel sad, anxious, or stressed due to the events of this year including COVID-19, Monday — Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Weekends, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Call: 1–833–681–0211.

If you or someone you love is struggling, call the Washington Recovery Helpline for 24-hour support. Call: 1–866–789–1511.

Start Talking Now Facebook page and website provide resources to support parents and caregivers.

1 Most research looking at gender differences in alcohol use are comparing cis-gender participants, or not carefully differentiating between gender and sex at a population level. This is a limitation of the research. Gender minority populations use and misuse alcohol at high rates, exasperated by discrimination and stigma. The intent of this article is to point out the risks cis-gender women face based on biological and societal factors. Decreasing alcohol use is a healthy choice for everyone. Learn more about LGBTQ behavioral health trends.