Celebrating NDs on International Women’s Day
Dear Members,
This Sunday, March 8th is International Women’s Day (IWD), a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. In 2025, we celebrated a century of regulated naturopathic medicine in Ontario. And this year we celebrate the 115th year for International Women’s Day.
This year’s theme, “Give to Gain,” speaks powerfully to the work of Naturopathic Doctors, emphasizing the power of generosity, reciprocity, and collaboration. When individuals and communities give, through knowledge, mentorship, advocacy, visibility, or compassionate care, opportunities for women expand. When women thrive, we all rise.
This message resonates deeply within naturopathic medicine. According to the College of Naturopaths of Ontario, 83% of licensed Naturopathic Doctors are women. International Women’s Day is therefore not only a moment to celebrate women broadly, but also a moment to recognize you.
Every day, Ontario NDs generously give their expertise, their time and their compassion. You support patients through complex health journeys, acting as trusted partners in preventive and integrative health. You support women patients through hormonal health challenges, menopause management, fertility and reproductive wellness, and other deeply personal milestones. For many women, NDs provide a vital space where their concerns are heard, and their experiences are validated.
Across the province, women NDs are also breaking barriers as leaders and advocates. You are clinic owners, researchers, educators, board members, and community voices advancing integrative health within Ontario’s broader healthcare landscape. You are shaping policy conversations, mentoring the next generation of practitioners, and strengthening the credibility and visibility of our profession. You #givetogain in your everyday work.
International Women’s Day is also an opportunity to recognize the colleagues, partners, and allies, including the many men in our profession, who actively support women’s leadership and advancement. Progress happens when we work together to create environments where everyone can contribute and succeed.
On this International Women’s Day, I encourage each of us to reflect on what “Give to Gain” means within our own circles. I also encourage you to amplify the #givetogain and #NDsgivetogain on your own social media channels and share the messages OAND will be posting to celebrate and raise awareness of Naturopathic Doctors on this day.
To all the women NDs across Ontario — thank you. Your leadership, resilience, and compassion are shaping a more inclusive and collaborative healthcare environment for patients and for one another.
When women thrive, our profession thrives. And when our profession thrives, the communities we serve benefit.
With gratitude and pride,
Jennifer Joseph
Chief Executive Officer
Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors
