Women have come a long way in the fight for equality. Honoring their achievements across politics, economics, society, and culture, International Women’s Day is observed every year on the 8th of March. The Day encompasses seven vital missions; women’s empowerment, women in the creative sector, women at work, women and sport, women and technology, IWD giving, and crucially, women’s health; it is within this last mission – women’s health – where significant barriers still exist. On International Women’s Day 2025, let’s encourage women to prioritise their well-being, by raising awareness about crucial health issues, with the ultimate aim to enhance their overall wellness. Join us as we explore how we can collectively champion women’s health and drive meaningful change.
Theme for International Women’s Day 2025: “Accelerate Action”
Since the inception of International Women’s Day in 1911, each year has brought a focus on different goals for women’s rights. For International Women’s Day 2025, the theme is a powerful call to ‘Accelerate Action.’
A World Economic Forum study reveals a stark reality; at the current pace, achieving global gender parity will take at least five generations, roughly until the year 2158. This is why this year’s theme is a call to immediate and swift action. We must accelerate the pace of reforms for women’s equality through the implementation of effective strategies.
Let’s turn our attention to the specific challenges women face in accessing and maintaining optimal health, and how we can help ‘Accelerate Action’ in this critical area.
Barriers in Women’s Healthcare: A Call for Change
From delayed diagnoses to limited access, women face unique challenges that demand urgent action. Let’s explore these critical issues and how we can drive meaningful change this International Women’s Day.
- Gender Gap in Healthcare Access & Diagnosis: Women often experience delays in diagnosis, particularly for conditions with atypical symptoms. Socioeconomic factors, implicit biases, and limited specialist access further widen this gap, affecting timely and effective treatment.
- Reproductive Health Issues: Many reproductive health issues remain underdiagnosed, causing unnecessary suffering. Limited access to fertility treatments and family planning restricts choices, highlighting the need for awareness and better care.
- Breast Health Concerns: Lack of awareness and disparities in access to mammograms and diagnostic tools delay early detection. Increased awareness of risk factors can also improve outcomes.
- Cancers Beyond Breast Cancer: Cancers affecting women, such as cervical, ovarian, and uterine cancers, often present with subtle symptoms, making early detection crucial. HPV vaccination and equitable access to screenings can prevent and improve cancer outcomes for women.
- Cardiovascular Diseases: As the leading cause of death in women, heart disease is often misdiagnosed due to gender differences in symptoms. More research, awareness, and tailored prevention strategies are essential.
- PCOS & PCOD: PCOS affects fertility, metabolism, and mental health, requiring early diagnosis and holistic management. Lifestyle changes, mental health support, and increased awareness can help women manage symptoms effectively.
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Anatomical differences make UTIs more common in women, significantly affecting daily life. Hygiene education, timely treatment, and awareness of recurrent infections are crucial for prevention and management.
- Osteoporosis & Bone Health: Menopause-related hormonal changes weaken bones, increasing fracture risk. Adequate calcium, vitamin D, weight-bearing exercise, and routine bone density screenings help maintain long-term bone health.
- Mental Health & Well-being: Women may experience higher rates of anxiety and depression due to hormonal shifts and societal pressures. Access to mental health care, reducing stigma, and encouraging help-seeking behaviours are key to overall well-being.
- Proper Nutrition: Women’s nutritional needs change throughout life, yet limited access to healthy food and beauty standards often result in unhealthy relationships with food. Education on balanced diets and essential nutrients empowers women to make informed dietary choices.
- Survivors of Violence: Due to the high prevalence of violence against women and the stigma associated with survivors, adequate care remains inaccessible to many. Domestic violence and assault cause severe physical and mental trauma, requiring trauma-informed care. Healthcare providers must recognise signs, provide safe spaces, and connect survivors with vital support services.
- Child marriage, female foeticide, and infanticide: These issues violate human rights and pose serious health and societal risks for women. Education, strict legal enforcement, and community awareness are crucial to eradicating these harmful practices and ensuring gender equality.
Read more- World Obesity Day 2025: Understanding, Preventing, and Managing Obesity
Simple and Effective Ways For Women to Improve Their Health
Good health is the foundation of a fulfilling life, yet women often prioritise the well-being of others over their own. Taking proactive steps towards self-care can prevent illnesses and improve overall quality of life. From regular health checkups to stress management and balanced nutrition, small but consistent efforts can lead to lasting wellness. Here are some simple yet impactful ways women can prioritise their health:
- Routine Health Checkups: Regular health screenings help detect potential issues early, ensuring timely intervention. Women should prioritise screenings for heart health, reproductive health, breast cancer, bone density, and overall wellness.
- Maintaining an Active Lifestyle: Exercise is vital for maintaining physical and mental well-being. Incorporating activities such as walking, yoga, or strength training can improve health.
- Getting Enough Rest: Quality sleep is essential for hormonal balance, mental clarity, and overall health. Women should aim for 7–9 hours of rest each night to support immune function, metabolism, and emotional well-being.
- Managing Stress Effectively: Chronic stress affects women’s heart health, mental well-being, and hormonal balance. Mindfulness practices, deep breathing exercises, and setting aside time for self-care can help in stress management.
- Avoiding Fad Diets: Quick-fix diets often lack essential nutrients and can negatively impact long-term health. Instead, a balanced diet rich in proteins, healthy fats, and fibre ensures sustained energy and overall well-being.
- Addressing Menstrual Discomfort: Many women experience menstrual pain, bloating, and fatigue. Staying hydrated, eating a balanced diet, exercising, and consulting a doctor for severe symptoms can help manage discomfort effectively.
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Essential Health Screenings Every Woman Should Prioritise
Regular health screenings play a crucial role in the early detection and prevention of diseases, allowing women to take control of their well-being. By prioritising routine checkups, women can address potential health risks before they become serious concerns. Here are the key screenings every woman should schedule:
- Pelvic Examination: Vital for detecting gynaecological issues, including infections, fibroids, and early signs of cervical cancer.
- Breast Health Screening: Mammograms and clinical breast exams aid in the early detection of breast cancer, leading to better treatment outcomes.
- Diabetes Screening: Monitoring blood sugar levels is essential to detect prediabetes and diabetes, conditions that can impact heart and kidney health.
- Bone Density Assessment: Helps identify osteoporosis risk, particularly for postmenopausal women, to prevent fractures and bone loss.
- Thyroid Function Test: Evaluates thyroid hormone levels to diagnose conditions like hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, which affect metabolism and energy levels.
- Cardiovascular Health Checkup: Routine monitoring of blood pressure, cholesterol, and overall heart health is crucial in preventing heart disease, the leading cause of death among women.
Prioritising these screenings ensures early intervention, empowering women to lead healthier and more fulfilling lives.
Graphic Era Hospital: Committed to Women’s Health and Wellness
At Graphic Era Hospital, we prioritise women’s health by offering comprehensive medical care, advanced screenings, and specialised treatments tailored to every stage of life. Our dedicated team of experts ensures that women receive the highest quality care in a compassionate and supportive environment.
Our Specialties
- Obstetrics & Gynecology: Expert care for pregnancy, childbirth, and reproductive health concerns, including:
- prenatal and postnatal care
- labour and delivery
- family planning
- routine gynaecological exams, and
- minimally invasive gynecologic surgeries.
- Breast Health & Oncology: Advanced screenings and treatments for breast cancer and other cancers affecting women. Our services include:
- Cancer screenings and vaccinations
- Biopsy
- Medical, Surgical, and Radiology oncology services
- Palliative care
- Endocrinology & Hormonal Health: Specialised care for thyroid disorders, PCOS, menopause, and hormonal imbalances.
- Cardiology: Preventive screenings and treatment for heart disease, which remains a leading health concern for women. Our services include:
- non-invasive cardiology services such as ECHO, HUTT, and Holter monitoring
- Transcatheter valve replacement
- Adult, neonatal, and paediatric structural heart disease interventions, as well as invasive cardiology procedures.
- Bone & Joint Health: Osteoporosis screening, fracture prevention, and orthopaedic care for women’s unique needs. Our services include:
- Advanced diagnostics
- Medication and physiotherapy services
- Joint replacement services
- Rehabilitation
- Mental Health & Wellness: Counselling and treatment for anxiety, depression, and stress-related conditions.
Key Screenings & Preventive Care
- Annual pelvic exams and Pap smears for early cervical cancer detection.
- Mammograms and breast ultrasounds for breast cancer screening.
- Heart health assessments, including blood pressure, cholesterol, and ECG tests.
- Bone density scans for osteoporosis risk evaluation.
- Hormonal and metabolic screenings for thyroid health, PCOS, and diabetes.
Comprehensive Treatments & Holistic Care
From minimally invasive surgeries to lifestyle counselling, our hospital offers personalised treatment plans that address both preventive and curative aspects of women’s health. Whether it’s managing reproductive health, addressing menopause concerns, or providing fertility treatments, we ensure every woman gets the expert care she deserves.
Take a Pledge for Women’s Health: Schedule a Consultation Today
This International Women’s Day, let’s go beyond celebration—let’s take action. Prioritising women’s health isn’t just an individual choice; it’s a collective responsibility. By staying informed, scheduling regular checkups, and advocating for better healthcare access, we can bridge the gaps and ensure every woman receives the care she deserves. At Graphic Era Hospital, we are committed to providing expert, compassionate care tailored to women’s unique health needs. Schedule a consultation, encourage the women in your life to do the same, and join the movement toward a healthier, empowered future. Call us at 1800-889-7351 or fill out our contact form here.
Frequently Asked Question
International Women’s Day (IWD) has a rich history dating back to efforts in the early 1900s, rooted in the fight for women’s rights, better working conditions, and suffrage. First marked in 1911, it gained global recognition over the decades, with the UN officially encouraging member states to mark any day of the year as Women’s day based on their unique history and traditions. Today, it continues to be a powerful movement advocating for gender equality worldwide.
Purple, green, and white are the official colours of International Women’s Day. Purple signifies justice and dignity, green represents hope, and white symbolizes purity, reflecting the historic women’s rights movement.
The International Women’s Day (IWD) logo features a circular arrow surrounding the Venus symbol (♀), representing unity, progress, and gender equality.
Women commonly face health concerns such as reproductive health disorders (PCOS, endometriosis), breast and cervical cancers, cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis, mental health challenges, and hormonal imbalances. Regular checkups and early detection are key to managing these conditions effectively.
Women’s health is crucial not only for their well-being but also for the health of families and communities. Addressing gender-specific health concerns ensures longer, healthier lives and reduces the burden of preventable diseases.
Mental health is a critical aspect of overall well-being. Women are more likely to experience anxiety, depression, and stress due to hormonal changes, societal expectations, and caregiving responsibilities. Seeking professional support and practising self-care are essential for maintaining emotional balance.
A healthy lifestyle encompasses balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, adequate sleep, stress management, and routine health checkups. Prioritising mental and physical health helps prevent chronic illnesses and improves quality of life.
Health screenings should start in early adulthood, with routine pelvic exams, pap smears, and breast health checks. As women age, screenings for osteoporosis, cardiovascular health, and diabetes become essential. Consult your doctor to create a personalised screening schedule.
Women often exhibit atypical heart attack symptoms, including fatigue, nausea, and jaw pain, which can lead to delayed diagnosis. Hormonal changes and pregnancy-related conditions also impact heart health, making early prevention and lifestyle management crucial.
- 20s & 30s: Pap smears, HPV tests, breast self-exams
- 40s & 50s: Mammograms, diabetes tests, cholesterol checks
- 60s & beyond: Bone density scans, cardiovascular screenings, colorectal cancer tests
Women worldwide face barriers like limited access to quality care, gender bias in medical research, high maternal mortality rates, and lack of awareness about health issues. Addressing these gaps requires better policies, education, and investment in women’s healthcare.
A well-balanced diet supports hormonal balance, bone strength, heart health, and reproductive function. Nutrient deficiencies can lead to conditions like anaemia, osteoporosis, and metabolic disorders.
- Increase calcium and vitamin D intake for bone health
- Eat fibre-rich foods to regulate digestion and hormones
- Reduce processed foods and added sugars
- Stay hydrated and incorporate healthy fats for heart health
Maintaining strong bones requires a calcium-rich diet, vitamin D intake, weight-bearing exercises, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. Regular bone density screenings help detect risks early.
