The women we honour today didn’t just contribute to women’s wellness, they built the very foundation for it.
They fought for change with all odds stacked against them, pushing forward when the world refused to listen.
Their resilience, brilliance, and unwavering dedication inspire the very essence of Dott.
Their work is a reminder of how far we’ve come in the fight for women’s health and wellness, but also of how much further we must go.
Let’s take a closer look at a few of these extraordinary women who changed the landscape of women’s wellness and who inspire us to keep pushing for a future where all women are seen, heard, and supported.
Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler (1831-1895)
Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler was a true pioneer for women’s health. As one of the first American woman to earn a medical degree in the United States, she broke barriers and paved the way for future generations of women in medicine.
Graduating from New England Female Medical College in 1864, Dr. Crumpler’s passion for maternal and child health led her to publish Book of Medical Discourses in 1883, offering vital guidance for women and families.
Her dedication didn’t stop at her studies—Dr. Crumpler worked for the Freedmen’s Bureau, providing essential medical care to freedmen and freedwomen who were often turned away by physicians.
Despite facing intense racism and sexism, she stood firm in her commitment to serve, even when male physicians dismissed her expertise and refused to listen to her advice.
Dr. Crumpler’s courage and resilience in the face of adversity continue to inspire, reminding us of the power of advocating for yourself and others.
Dr. Jane Cooke Wright (1919–2013)
With 1 in 8 women developing breast cancer in their lifetime, the groundbreaking work of Dr. Jane Cooke Wright in pioneering cancer research and chemotherapy is more vital than ever for women’s well-being.
Born into a family of medical trailblazers, Dr. Wright was destined to make history. Her father, a graduate from Harvard Medical School, instilled in her a passion for medicine and innovation.
After graduating, she became chief resident at a hospital before joining her father at the Harlem Hospital Cancer Research Center, where she ultimately succeeded him as director.
At a time when chemotherapy was considered a last-resort treatment, Dr. Wright saw its potential.
From 1949 to 1950 and beyond, she dedicated herself to studying chemotherapeutic agents, uncovering how to treat breast cancer and findings that continue to shape modern medicine today.
Her commitment to medical innovation and patient advocacy exemplifies what it means to fight for women's health.
Through her contributions, she not only expanded treatment possibilities for cancer and much more but also embodied the very essence of advocacy, resilience, and progress.
Dr. Helen Octavia Dickens (1909–2001)
Dr. Helen Octavia Dickens was a woman determined to break barriers. Graduating high school at just 17, she pursued her passion for medicine with the constant encouragement of her parents.
After earning a full scholarship, she studied pre-med and went on to provide gynaecological and obstetric care to underserved communities, an early sign of her lifelong commitment to women’s health.
She continued to push boundaries, becoming one of the first woman board-certified in obstetrics and gynaecology in Philadelphia.
But her impact didn’t stop there. Dr. Dickens opened her own clinic, dedicating her career to supporting teen mothers and addressing the healthcare disparities faced at the time.
She conducted extensive research on teen pregnancy and STIs, using her findings to educate, advocate, and empower young women with the knowledge and care they deserved.
Her legacy is one of care, advocacy, and education—values that continue to inspire us at Dott.
Today, we honour her work in sexual and reproductive health, which paved the way for greater access, awareness, and autonomy for women everywhere.
Honouring Their Legacy
As we reflect on the contributions of these extraordinary women, we do so with immense gratitude.
Their resilience, innovation, and unwavering dedication to women’s health and wellness have not only shaped the medical field but have also paved the way for brands like Dott to exist.
Because of them, we can stand firmly in our mission—to empower women through their wellness, sexuality, and health.
Their work reminds us that advocacy, education, and access to care are not just aspirations but necessities. They fought for a world where all women’s bodies are understood, respected, and prioritized.
To these trailblazers, we say thank you, for the barriers you broke, the conversations you started, and the future you made possible.