Devin Jacobs
For too long, certain struggles hung in the air like bad Wi-Fi—always there, just ignored. But now? The signal’s finally getting through. Thanks to louder voices, smarter tools, and a few overdue reality checks, women aren’t facing these battles solo anymore. Turns out, solidarity makes one powerful spotlight.
Period Poverty
Missing class because of a lack of pads? That was the reality. In 2020, Scotland said no more, offering free period products to everyone. Since then, 20+ U.S. states have stepped up in schools and shelters. Grassroots groups and startups are working to make dignity accessible for all.
Workplace Harassment
The days of staying quiet to keep a job are fading. The #MeToo movement erupted with 19 million online responses, forcing change. Now, several states mandate harassment training. Companies are also building better systems with real reporting tools and actual consequences. Silence is no longer the only option.
Maternal Mental Health
After childbirth, what comes next is often anxiety and despair. Until recently, that part went unseen. In 2022, however, the WHO made it a global health priority. Now, every U.S. state covers postpartum depression screening, and mental health apps for moms have surpassed 5 million downloads.
Breastfeeding Support
Breastfeeding in public used to invite stares or worse: judgment. But times are changing. Federal law now ensures lactation rooms at work. Airports offer nursing pods. Globally, 152 countries joined the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative. And yes, those breastfeeding selfies are doing the heavy lifting for visibility and pride.
Body Image Advocacy
What if every ad showed a body like yours, not a filtered fantasy? France and Spain now require labels on retouched images. Barbie got a makeover with four body types. Even Instagram banned harmful weight-loss ads for teens. With 20M+ body positivity tags online, women are reclaiming their reflections.
Menopause
Once tiptoed around, menopause is now being tackled head-on. Even a U.K.-wide education program for medical professionals was launched in 2024. Office spaces are also adapting in terms of policy and culture. Oprah Winfrey and Michelle Obama are naming the experience out loud, and the global menopause economy is answering with billions in response.
Women In STEM
Women in STEM have doubled since the 1990s, but representation still lags in leadership roles. The 2020 Nobel Prize in Chemistry—awarded to two women without a male co-recipient—was a symbolic and statistical milestone. Policy reforms, mentorship pipelines, and funding initiatives continue to push toward equity in research and industry.
Domestic Violence Survivors
The fear is still real, but now so is the support. From over 95 countries enacting laws to the U.S. strengthening federal protections, progress is visible. Shelters today offer safety and provide legal aid and childcare. And with silent-signal tech, victims can ask for help without a word.
Endometriosis
A generation ago, endometriosis lived in the shadows. Now, it’s being brought to light by data and digital platforms. Over 1.5 billion views on social media tell a different story of pain and progress. Medical curricula are evolving, and diagnostic delays—once dismissed—are finally being challenged.
Equal Pay
Equal pay is being written into law. Fourteen U.S. states have passed pay transparency rules, while Iceland enforces equal pay audits. From courtrooms to locker rooms, women are winning battles, like the U.S. Women’s Soccer Team. Even AI is in on it, exposing pay gaps hidden in company spreadsheets.