College of Nursing Statement on International Women's Day and the Ukraine Invasion

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Dear College of Nursing community,

Today we celebrate International Women's Day to honor the women visionaries, innovators, educators, advocates, and leaders creating change in the world. Women have been marginalized throughout history but have demonstrated remarkable strength and resilience in the fight for equity. This is inclusive of all people who identify as women/female/female-bodied and who are allies with women—as we strive for a world that is inclusive and just for all. Many times, nurses have been at the forefront of advancing these efforts and promoting justice that shapes the world we live in. In fact, there are numerous examples of people within our own college who have and continue to #BreakTheBias.

As Amy Rees Anderson noted, “Here’s to strong women. May we know them. May we be them. May we raise them.” Education changes the health of communities and the global landscape of health equity. Through our work, we are “raising” future nurses who will undoubtedly go on to transform the world. What we do on a daily basis aligns so well with the 2022 theme of International Women’s Day calling to create, “A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated.”

In addition to the celebratory message of International Women’s Day, we would like to voice our support of President Robbins’ statement condemning the invasion of Ukraine by Russian military forces. The violence has limited access to essential healthcare and humanitarian efforts for the people of Ukraine. The unimaginable loss and the inevitable impact on health outcomes emphasize the importance to rethink social systems that lead to oppression.

We have seen nurses in action throughout the crisis in Ukraine, and nurses across the globe have rallied in support of the nurses helping in Ukraine. Locally, nurses and physicians have traveled to Eastern Europe to lend their skills in relief efforts, as seen in the article: Arizona nurses, doctors head to Poland to aid Ukrainians who fled Russian violence

 To find out more about how you can help humanitarian efforts in Ukraine, click HERE.

 Finally, International Women's Day and the crisis in Ukraine remind us to work for a world that is free from violence, poverty, and disease everywhere.  We say this in appreciation for everything all of you do on a day-to-day basis to improve health and wellness for everyone.  

 With sincere gratitude,

The UACON EDI Task Force