Throughout history, society has always perpetuated the idea that men are stronger than women are. Women deserve to be called “STRONG & INDEPENDENT WOMEN,” due to the struggles that they had to face and continue to overcome throughout the years of poverty, sexism, stigma, discrimination, and violence. With that in mind, women must be celebrated.
National Women's History Month is observed in the United States, United Kingdom and Australia in March. It began with a single day as International Women's Day on March 8, and it has been observed in some shape or form since 1911. In the 1970's, local groups and municipalities began celebrating Women's History Week. The movement became so popular people began lobbying for a more formal observance. In 1980, President Jimmy Carter designated the first official National Women's History Week beginning on March 8 of that year. According to the National Women's History Alliance, states began declaring the whole month of March as Women's History Month all the way up until 1986.
Women and HIV/AIDS
Despite the significant advances in the prevention and treatment of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in the United States, the story of the HIV epidemic among women has remained the same for the past 40 years. Today, women account for 1 in 4 of the 1.2 million people living with HIV in America, that’s 258,000 or 23%.
In addition to being more biologically susceptible to HIV infection than heterosexual men are, women's vulnerability to HIV is also driven by social and economic factors. There are also many structural barriers that prevent women from getting the information and services they need to prevent HIV, or to seek proper care if they are living with HIV.
Vulnerable groups of women need better targeted information, and nondiscriminatory HIV prevention and treatment programs. Vulnerable groups may be sex workers, women who inject drugs, African-American women, and transgender women. In observance of Women's History Month, Matthew 25 would like to join in the celebration of this diverse group of women whom have contributed immensely to the HIV/AIDS movement and highlight some of our female employees who are breaking barriers each day.
Jennifer Jerger
Evansville Clinic Site Director
Jennifer has been with Matthew 25 for 3 years and has worked in HIV Care for 6 years.
What is your motivation at Matthew 25?
"I love what Matthew 25 stands for, we take care of the person as a whole to make sure they have everything they need to thrive as a person living with HIV/AIDS. I can't imagine working in any other field, I truly adore our population and our team at Matthew 25."
Jennifer Owens
Linkage to Care Specialist
Jennifer has been with Matthew 25 for 10 months.
What is your motivation at Matthew 25?
"The love for the clients is what inspired me too be a part of the M25 team. Everyone here is very respectful and it's also a positive work environment. Being a part of the M25 team has really been a blessing. I love my JOB!"
Atinuke Wilhite
Health Educator
Atinuke has been with Matthew 25 for 7 months and has worked with the HIV community for many years.
What is your motivation at Matthew 25?
"What motivates me is the caring act of Matthew 25 in making sure that all the community they serve are well taken care of. They go beyond and above to provide for the primary needs of people living with HIV. And I am honored to be a part of the Organization."
Missy Powell
Director of Health Information Management & Compliance
Missy has been with Matthew 25 for 13 years.
What is your motivation at Matthew 25?
"Matthew 25 serves a wonderful mission serving and providing quality care to many under privileged individuals. Showing up and making a difference to support this mission despite the role I am in is what inspires me every day. I have to believe in something whole heartedly to be able to support it. And I struggle with supporting something if I don't believe in or support it, but I truly believe Matthew 25 is a shining star and it is a privilege to support it's mission. Who knew a compliance officer and leader in health information could serve at the capacity I have the privilege of each day?"
Janeth Nicolas
Henderson Clinic Site Director
Janeth has been with Matthew 25 for 2 years.
What is your motivation at Matthew 25?
"I get to see the impact each staff member has on our patients. I love that we are truly patient centered."
We want to take the time once again to thank all of the amazing women who work for Matthew 25. Without all of your hard work and dedication we would not be where we are today! We honor not only these women but all women and celebrate their lives and accomplishments. To all women everywhere- Happy Women's History Month.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule a free and confidential HIV test, please call (866) 607-6590. You can also email jdunn@matthew25clinic.org for more!
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