We are greatly concerned at the growing numbers of women who are becoming uninsured and underinsured as welfare reform and economic forces push more women into low-wage jobs. I hope these excellent papers contribute to our learning from the women's health movements of yesterday and today. Above all, I hope this issue sparks a passionate discussion of the movements we want for tomorrow. We have come a long way, but still have a long way to go. We are far from equity in access to health care, health research, health resources, and, much more significantly, in health status.
Poverty is acknowledged as the greatest determinant of ill health.
Women and children continue to be the majority of the poor. In building health movements today and for tomorrow we may note that the most effective advocates are part of larger social movements for social justice. Women have a great stake in promoting a healthier society. To impel healthier social and economic policies, we need to become a mighty force of women allied with all progressive elements in our country and even worldwide. I am grateful to Barbara Seaman for her suggestions and to Barbara Pillsbury and Joanne Leslie, my colleagues at the Pacific Institute for Women's Health, for their review and comments.