Sanitetskvinnene hosts one of the country’s largest volunteer initiatives each year, where thousands of fastelavnsris are assembled and sold to raise funds for women’s health research. This year’s anniversary marked both a celebration of tradition and a reaffirmation of the organization’s long-standing commitment to improving women’s health through targeted research funding.
A Morning of Community, Tradition, and Support for Women’s Health
The workshop brought together researchers, policymakers, supporters, and friends at Sanitetskvinnene’s headquarters. Participants created their own fastelavnsris while enjoying freshly baked fastelavnsboller, warm drinks, and lively conversations.
For our team, the event was an opportunity to give back to an organization that has supported our research efforts. The open, welcoming atmosphere also provided an arena for meeting others who work in a variety of fields centered around women's health.
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Highlighting Research Impact: Professor Hedvig Nordeng
A special point of pride during the event was the presence of Professor Hedvig Nordeng, who was the first pharmacist ever to receive the Norwegian Women’s Public Health Association’s (Norske Kvinners Sanitetsforening) Women’s Health Research Prize. Nordeng received the award for her groundbreaking work on medication safety in pregnancy—research that has shaped national and international understanding of how various medications, such as antidepressants, analgesics, migraine medications, and antibiotics, affect both pregnant women and their children.
Sanitetskvinnene has supported several of Nordeng’s milestones, including her postdoctoral work and multiple doctoral projects she has supervised. Her research continues to expand into new areas, including child development following fetal exposure to medications and the long-term mental‑health consequences of the COVID‑19 pandemic across Europe.
Her ongoing contributions to SafeStart, an initiative supported by Sanitetskvinnene, underscore her dedication to providing safe, evidence‑based guidance for pregnant and breastfeeding individuals.
Celebrating an Organization Dedicated to Women’s Health
Sanitetskvinnene remains Norway’s only research funder dedicated exclusively to women’s health, managing millions of kroner each year through foundation and fund-based grants. Their mission centers on improving women’s health, quality of life, and opportunities by ensuring that sex- and gender-specific health needs are properly understood and researched.
For our group, attending the event was a gesture of appreciation for the organization’s lasting support—and a chance to help shine a light on the importance of continued investment in women’s health research.
Want to Learn More or Support Their Work?
If you’d like to learn more about Sanitetskvinnene’s initiatives—including their research portfolio, local projects, and national advocacy—visit their official website: https://sanitetskvinnene.no