International Women's Day: A Call to Prioritize Women's Health

• By : VivaVel.com
• 8 Mar, 2025

Every year on March 8, people worldwide observe International Women's Day (IWD)—a day to recognize and celebrate women's strength, resilience, and achievements. Beyond the appreciation, this day also shines a light on women's struggles, particularly in health and well-being.

A woman's health impacts not just her but also her family and community. Good health allows women to follow their ambitions, care for loved ones, and contribute to society. However, many still struggle with limited access to quality healthcare. From reproductive health to heart disease and mental well-being, women's health concerns need more attention and action.

The Theme for International Women's Day 2025

Each year, International Women's Day focuses on a key issue affecting women worldwide. For 2025, the theme is "Empowering Women's Health: Breaking Barriers and Building Access." This theme highlights the importance of ensuring that all women, regardless of their location or financial background, have access to essential healthcare services without stigma or discrimination.

Why Women's Health Needs More Attention

Women's health covers a broad range of issues beyond reproductive care—it includes heart disease, mental well-being, cancer prevention, and access to quality healthcare. Yet, many of these concerns remain under-researched or underfunded. Social and economic inequalities make it even harder for some women to access essential health services.

Reproductive Health: Beyond Motherhood

Many women still struggle to access essential services such as contraception, safe pregnancy care, and maternity support.

Conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis often go undiagnosed or dismissed, leaving many women suffering in silence.

In some parts of the world, menstruation is still a taboo subject, making it difficult for girls to receive proper education and healthcare support.

Heart Disease: A Leading but Overlooked Threat

Heart disease is the leading cause of death among women globally, yet it's often seen as a "men's issue."

Symptoms of a heart attack in women—such as nausea, dizziness, and fatigue—are different from men's symptoms, leading to misdiagnoses or delays in treatment.

Simple lifestyle changes such as staying active, eating a balanced diet, and managing stress can help lower the risk.

Mental Health: Breaking the Stigma

Women experience higher rates of depression, anxiety, and postnatal depression, yet many do not seek help due to stigma.

Balancing work, family, and societal expectations can take a toll on mental health.

Encouraging open discussions and increasing access to therapy and mental health resources can support women's emotional well-being.

Cancer Awareness: The Power of Early Detection

Breast and cervical cancer are among the most common cancers in women, yet many lack access to routine screenings.

Mammograms, Pap smears, and HPV vaccinations are essential early detection and prevention tools.

Spreading awareness and improving access to screenings can help save lives.

Healthcare Access: A Fundamental Right

Many women, especially in rural or low-income areas, struggle to access even basic healthcare.

Barriers such as financial constraints, cultural norms, and lack of education prevent women from seeking medical attention.

Investing in women's healthcare strengthens families and communities, leading to a healthier future for everyone.

How Can We Support Women's Health?

Ensuring better healthcare for women requires action from everyone—not just doctors and policymakers. Here's how we can all contribute:

Encourage Open Conversations: Talking about women's health issues helps break the stigma and promotes awareness.

Promote Regular Health Screenings: Early detection of diseases can save lives.

Prioritize Mental Health: Women should feel supported in seeking therapy, self-care, and emotional well-being.

Advocate for Policy Changes: Support initiatives that make healthcare services more affordable and accessible.

Support Research in Women's Health: More focus on conditions that uniquely affect women can lead to better treatments and solutions.

Conclusion:

International Women's Day is not just a celebration—it's a call to action. Honoring women means ensuring they have access to the healthcare they need. When they are healthy, women can achieve their fullest potential and positively impact the world.

This March 8, let's move beyond words and take steps toward empowering women, prioritizing their health, and ensuring they receive the care they deserve.

Here's to strong, healthy women—today and every day!