Honoring International Women’s Day at Downstate

By Office of Communications & Marketing | Mar 8, 2026

As we celebrate International Women’s Day on Sunday, March 8, we honor the achievements of women around the world and reaffirming our shared commitment to gender equity.

This day traces its origins to 1909, when women garment workers in New York organized and protested for safer working conditions and fair wages. In 1975, the United Nations officially recognized International Women’s Day, amplifying the global call for women’s rights and equal opportunity. Since then, March 8 has stood as both a celebration of progress and a reminder of the work that remains.

Today, women continue to navigate complex and evolving challenges, including renewed debates around diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are foundational to a fair and just society. It extends beyond race to encompass gender, sexual orientation, age, socioeconomic status, neurodiversity, and more. Embracing these principles ensures that every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute fully.

Women’s voices remain essential in advancing equitable policies, strengthening communities, and safeguarding opportunity for future generations. Their leadership and advocacy help move us forward—even in times of uncertainty.

In healthcare, education, and research, women play a transformative role in improving lives across the globe. They pioneer medical breakthroughs, deliver compassionate patient care, cultivate critical thinking and leadership in the classroom, and push the boundaries of scientific discovery to address urgent global challenges.

At Downstate, we proudly honor the resilience, expertise, and leadership of the women in our community. Your dedication strengthens our institution and helps shape a brighter, more inclusive future for all. We are very proud to feature our very own, Angeliki Papavlassopulos, M.D., MBA, FACOG, from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. In this video, she dives into what inspired her to get into academic medicine and all of the female inspiration she received to help pave the way towards her calling.

Thank you for all that you do. 

Happy International Women’s Day!

Tags: Commemorative Months