First, a moment of silence for all the lost souls who have succumbed to the COVID-19 virus. The fight against an invisible, yet formidable enemy has taken its toll on so many families in the recent months.

Amidst all the negative news, I came across an article that inspired me. Tunisia made a beautiful tribute and acknowledged the contribution of a pioneering woman physician by placing her portrait on a new ten dinar bill, the first time in the nation’s history. The Central Bank made the choice as a way to honor Tawhida Ben Cheikh, Tunisia’s first female doctor as well as to recognize women in health and sciences. It made me reflect that as the world’s currencies are backed by gold bullion, the world’s families are backed by strong women who buttress and keep them buoyant, especially in troubled times.

The article got me thinking about the unsung she-roes who are risking their lives on the front line and enduring great hardships on the home front as the world shelters-in-place. It made me reflect on all the women that I knew in medical and health sciences and I’m counting here the “Dr. Moms” who are the first line of protection of their kids and families. In the face of this virus, all women are braving extreme conditions to make a difference irrespective of whether that difference is saving another’s life at a health facility or making countless decisions that keep family members virus-free at home.

“Women have emerged as the new Chief Crisis Management Officers, handling all manner of mental health (everyone in the household seems to be on a different anxiety schedule), hygiene, immune systems, food preparation, and pastoral care of everyone else, in addition to professional work.”

It goes without saying that women are facing inordinate stress and strain under lockdowns and wartime-like conditions. I too can attest to what it takes to keep our families and loved ones, neighbors, patients, clients, and colleagues safe. Women have emerged as the new Chief Crisis Management Officers, handling all manner of mental health (everyone in the household seems to be on a different anxiety schedule), hygiene, immune systems, food preparation, and pastoral care of everyone else, in addition to professional work. To keep my own sanity, I continue to focus on the things for which I am grateful. I remind myself, “I get to do this,” however hard it may be.

What continues to inspire me are initiatives keeping other women safe in the face of too many terrible reports about the conditions women are facing in isolation. Rates of domestic violence are up; safety concerns abound. For example, women facing domestic violence in Spain and France can say a codeword to a pharmacist to get necessary help. I am continually inspired by the women who keep vigilant about the issues that matter: all of the “isms” and “tions,” equality, the environment, injustice, displacement of people, the right to vote. May we find ways to keep up our resolve and activism, and continue to raise awareness for those in more dire straights than ourselves.

I hope more acknowledgment is given to what women do every day, crisis or no crisis. Despite all the hardships, I am convinced she is stronger than she thinks, and she is certainly worth her weight in gold.