Today is International Women’s Day, a time to honor the extraordinary women who have transformed mental health advocacy, research, and care. Throughout history, women have been on the forefront of change, breaking barriers and pushing forward compassionate, ethical, and effective approaches to mental health.
One of these incredible leaders is Elyn Saks, a true pioneer in mental health law and ethics. Elyn is a professor of law, psychology and psychiatry at the USC Gould School of Law. She is also the Director of the Saks Institute for Mental Health Law, Policy, and Ethics, and Adjunct Professor of Psychiatry at the UC San Diego School of Medicine, and a faculty member at the New Center for Psychoanalysis. She has also served on our Advisory Board for many years. Her remarkable career has been dedicated to exploring the intersection of law, mental health, and ethics, advocating for the rights and dignity of individuals facing mental health challenges.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we reflect on how history has been shaped by remarkable women like Dorothea Dix, a tireless advocate for humane mental health care, and how this legacy is carried forward by modern-day trailblazers like Elyn Saks. The Flawless Foundation is honored to highlight Elyn’s work, which has helped influence policy and create meaningful change in the field of mental health.
Elyn’s journey is deeply personal, and her memoir, The Center Cannot Hold: My Journey Through Madness, is a testament to her resilience. She has defied expectations and rewritten the narrative of what it means to live with a mental health condition, demonstrating the power of advocacy, education, and support. Her impact extends beyond her own story- through the Saks institute, she fosters interdisciplinary research and collaboration that drives systemic change.
A few years ago, our Flawless founder, Janine sat down with Elyn Saks in Los Angeles for a special conversation about mental health, advocacy, and breaking down barriers. As we reflect on the impact of Elyn Saks and so many other women who have fought for mental health equity, we recognize that their work is not just about research, policy, or advocacy. These women have paved the way for a more inclusive and humane mental health system that acknowledges the complexities of the human experience and ensures dignity for all.
At Flawless Foundation, we are deeply grateful for these trailblazers. They remind us that change is possible, that discrimination can be dismantled, and that every voice in the mental health conversation matters. Today, we celebrate them, honor their contributions, and recommit ourselves to continuing their work toward a Flawless world where mental health care is compassionate, comprehensive, and accessible to all. This International Women’s Day, we invite you to join us in recognizing the women who have made a difference in your own journey. Let’s celebrate their courage, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to creating a more Flawless world.
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