Strong women, stronger health

This Women’s Month, make your health a priority. Women often fulfil multiple roles in society – as caregivers, leaders, professionals – and are at the centre of families and communities. This Women’s Month, we honour the legacy of the 1956 Women’s March with the theme “Building Resilient Economies for All”. As we put the spotlight on women’s physical, mental and emotional health, we urge you to prioritise your health.

Why prevention matters

While statistically, South African women live longer than men, they face higher risks for certain chronic conditions:
• Diabetes is the leading cause of death in women
• Gestational diabetes, the prevalence of which is estimated at between 9.1% and 25.8%
• Hypertension (high blood pressure) is responsible for around 6.8% of deaths in women (and only 3.9% in men)
• Breast cancer accounts for nearly 24% of all female cancer diagnoses
• Cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in women

Many of these chronic conditions can be prevented, managed, and, if caught early, treated successfully. Recommended regular check-ups include:

Mammograms
Pap smears – annually
Blood pressure checks – annually from the age of 40, and at any age if there are risk factors
Diabetes screenings – every three years if there are no risk factors, or annually if there are

For women diagnosed with chronic conditions, management is vital through a treatment plan that includes medical adherence, adopting a healthy diet, and regular check-ups with their healthcare practitioner.

Mental and emotional health

Poor mental health can be linked to many factors, including caregiving responsibilities, financial pressures, life circumstances and work demands.

As studies suggest that women are more likely than men to experience depression and psychological distress, they need to prioritise their mental health. This can be done by setting healthy boundaries, scheduling rest and self-care, maintaining high-quality and safe relationships, and seeking professional support when needed.

Healthy women are empowered women. By prioritising their physical, mental and emotional health, they’ll support a healthier future for themselves, their family and their community.

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