Today marks International Women’s Day (IWD), an occasion dedicated to honouring the multifaceted and remarkable contributions of women across generations, while also advancing the cause for gender equality and inclusivity.

In honour of International Women’s Day (IWD) 2024 and as part of our Wellness Wednesday series, this piece shines a spotlight on some of the most inspiring women making waves in the health and wellness industry today.

Exploring the origins of international women’s day

International Women’s Day (IWD) traces its roots back to the early 1900s, a period marked by significant disparities in opportunities between men and women. It was an era of burgeoning activism for gender equality, sparking fervent discussions about women’s roles in society.

In 1909, the inaugural National Woman’s Day (NWD) took place in the United States on February 28, with subsequent celebrations occurring on the last Sunday of February for the next four years.

At the 1910 International Conference of Working Women in Copenhagen, Clara Zetkin, a prominent figure leading the Women’s Office for the Social Democratic Party in Germany, proposed the concept of International Women’s Day.

The idea resonated universally, with attendees from 17 countries, representing over 100 women, unanimously endorsing the proposal. Thus, on March 19, 1911, Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland marked the first International Women’s Day.

Since its inception, International Women’s Day (IWD) has become an annual event, offering a platform for global participation through diverse activities. As emphasised by the International Women’s Day (IWD) website:

“International Women’s Day transcends geographical and organizational boundaries. It stands as a day of unified global activism and celebration, open to all who champion women’s equality.”

Next, let’s delve into the stories of remarkable women shaping the landscape of health and wellness today.

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When is international women’s day?

Since its inception over a century ago, International Women’s Day (IWD) has been observed on various dates.

Eventually, it was universally agreed that International Women’s Day (IWD) would be celebrated annually on March 8th. In 2021, the event commemorated its centenary, prompting then-US President Barack Obama to designate the entire month of March as “Women’s History Month”.

What is the theme of international women’s day 2024?

Each year, International Women’s Day (IWD) adopts a unique theme. On March 8th, 2024, people worldwide will unite under the theme “Inspire Inclusion”, embodying the essence of this year’s IWD celebrations.

Celebrating influential women in the health & wellness industry

In honour of International Women’s Day (IWD) 2024, we shine a spotlight on notable women within the UK health & wellness sector. This industry is witnessing a notable rise in female entrepreneurs, CEOs, medical experts, and other influential figures, making their mark in various capacities.

Melissa Snover: Pioneering Founder and CEO of Nourished

Melissa Snover Pioneering Founder and CEO of Nourished

Melissa Snover, an entrepreneur and registered nutritionist, conceptualized Nourished in 2018 as a groundbreaking solution for personalized nutrition.

Frustrated with the inconvenience of consuming multiple daily supplements, Snover envisioned a novel approach to nutrition—one that caters to individual health and wellness requirements. Thus, Nourished’s revolutionary 3D-printed vitamin “stacks” were brought to life.

Nourished represents just one chapter in Snover’s entrepreneurial journey. With her initial business venture launched at the young age of 23, Melissa has emerged as a staunch advocate for health, wellness, and female empowerment in the business realm.

Since its inception, Nourished has evolved its product range, ventured into European markets, and received esteemed recognition, including the prestigious ‘King’s Award for Enterprise’ in the ‘Innovation’ category in 2023.

Moreover, Nourished actively contributes to the global charity Vitamin Angels, dedicated to enhancing health and nutrition among underserved pregnant women and young children worldwide.

Lucy Lettice Cohen and Claire Lettice: Visionary Founders of &SISTERS by Mooncup®

Lucy Lettice Cohen and Claire Lettice Visionary Founders of &SISTERS by Mooncup

In 2017, Claire Lettice and her daughter Lucy Lettice Cohen entered the realm of health & wellness with their groundbreaking venture, &SISTERS, aimed at revolutionizing period care.

Their mission? To challenge conventional menstrual products laden with plastic and irritants. By advocating for organic, biodegradable ingredients, they not only introduced a premium alternative to mainstream tampons and pads but also spearheaded campaigns for increased funding and improved menstrual health care.

Today, the sustainable menstrual health brand has flourished, expanding its product range and achieving B Corp status in 2022. The acquisition of Mooncup, a pioneer in sustainable period products, stands as a testament to their success.

As CEO of &SISTERS by Mooncup®, Lucy Lettice Cohen is fervently dedicated to combating period poverty and environmental pollution. Meanwhile, Claire Lettice draws inspiration from another trailblazing woman in health and wellness, Dame Anita Roddick.

Renowned for her role in popularizing vegan and sustainable products through the Body Shop in the 1970s, Roddick serves as a beacon of influence for Claire’s endeavours.

Hannah Samano: Visionary Founder and CEO of Unfabled

Hannah Samano Visionary Founder and CEO of Unfabled

At the helm of Unfabled stands Hannah Samano, the innovative Founder and CEO spearheading a revolution in health and wellness.

Unfabled emerges as a comprehensive destination, prioritizing sustainable, non-toxic products across various facets of well-being. Initially established as a premier provider of menstrual care essentials, Unfabled has since diversified its offerings to encompass beauty, supplements, and sexual wellness, with a particular emphasis on women’s health.

More than just a marketplace, Unfabled serves as a beacon of knowledge, offering meticulously curated products personally vetted by the team alongside medically validated guides and content. As its mantra declares, Unfabled provides “a safe and inclusive space for everyone to learn and discover, regardless of gender – men, that includes you, too!”

Driven by a fervent commitment to address the gender health gap, Hannah Samano has propelled Unfabled to new heights. With £1.57 million in funding secured, the company is poised to revolutionize the women’s health and wellness landscape.

With over 300,000 users relying on Unfabled for products catering to diverse conditions and symptoms, the trajectory is promising. The next phase entails expanding the Unfabled platform and fortifying the company’s in-house data science capabilities, heralding an era of continued growth and innovation.

Melissa Sturgess: Leading the Way in the Cannabis Industry

Melissa Sturgess Leading the Way in the Cannabis Industry

Concluding our roster of influential women in the health and wellness sector is Melissa Sturgess, a trailblazer who serves as the CEO of Ananda Developments Plc and holds the esteemed position of Co-Chair of the Cannabis Industry Council Research Committee. In an industry where gender parity remains a challenge, Sturgess stands as a beacon of influence and advocacy.

As Vice Chair of the Cannabis Industry Council research committee, Melissa Sturgess plays a pivotal role in championing research initiatives within the medical cannabis and hemp CBD sectors. Her leadership within the Council underscores the significance of informed decision-making and evidence-based practices in advancing the cannabis industry.

With over two decades of experience as a director of UK and Australian Stock Exchange quoted companies, Melissa Sturgess exemplifies business acumen and strategic vision. Inspired by a transformative trip to Israel in 2017, where she explored the country’s groundbreaking medical cannabis research, Sturgess embarked on her journey into the cannabis sector.

The co-founding of Ananda Developments Plc followed shortly thereafter, marking a commitment to establishing the company as a premier provider of cannabinoid-based medicines.

Melissa Sturgess epitomizes the vital contributions women make in the cannabis industry, showcasing resilience, expertise, and a dedication to advancing medical research and innovation.

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How to participate in international women’s day?

Feeling inspired by the remarkable women highlighted here? Join the celebration of International Women’s Day 2024 with a myriad of engaging activities.

As always, International Women’s Day (IWD) will be commemorated worldwide through diverse events, encompassing community gatherings, conferences, awards ceremonies, and beyond.

These events may be orchestrated by charitable organizations, businesses, or grassroots communities seeking to honour women’s achievements and contributions.

Explore the International Women’s Day website’s event finder to pinpoint gatherings in your vicinity and join in the festivities!

Whether attending an event or participating in your own way, International Women’s Day (IWD) presents a meaningful opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of women across the globe.

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before using any THC product.

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