May is the month of bloom, spring, and hot weather. But then, May is also celebrated as Women’s Health Month. It commences on May 10th with observing Women’s Health Week. This year’s Women’s Health Month theme is ‘Healthy Women, Healthy Families’. Women’s Health Month is not just about highlighting the physical aspects of health; it encompasses a holistic approach that considers mental, emotional, and social well-being. It’s a time to recognize the unique health challenges women face, from reproductive health issues to gender disparities in healthcare access and treatment.
Evolution of Women’s Health Month
Women’s Health Month was the result of the celebration of Women’s Health Week. What started as a week of celebrating women’s health and spreading awareness, evolved into a month-long observance of women’s physical and mental health.
However, Women’s Health Month was established by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office on Women’s Health (OWH). National Women’s Health Week was first observed in the early 1990s, with its purpose being to empower women to make their health a priority and to encourage them to take steps for better health.
Purpose and importance of Women’s Health Month
Women’s Health Month is celebrated to raise awareness about women’s health. It raises awareness about different mental and physical concerns that women face in their lives. This month, from cervical cancer to women’s rights, is a perfect opportunity to showcase women in a different yet powerful light.
It has become a common practice for people to brush away a woman’s health concerns. From an endometriosis being misdiagnosed as ‘normal period pain’ to a heart attack being dubbed as an anxiety problem, gaslighting is common in the health sector for women. Women’s Health Month also spreads awareness among women about their bodily concerns and provides them with knowledge to fight for their long-lost rights and laws. Education and empathy are vital for turning the state of female health around and giving people the validation they deserve
A few of the points that get highlighted in this month-long celebrations are-
1. Prioritizing preventive care
Rather than treating a disease, it is much better to take precautionary measures to prevent it. This month spreads awareness about different kinds of diseases that female bodies can contract and also serves as a reminder to prioritize preventive care, encouraging women to schedule routine check-ups and screenings. By investing in preventive measures, we can empower women to take charge of their health and well-being proactively.
2. Getting informed about reproductive health
Reproductive health can be called the cornerstone of a woman’s life. From menstruation to pre-natal health, everything comes under the umbrella called reproductive health. It is a sad fact that despite countless advancements, women’s reproductive health is still considered taboo by many. Be it menopause or pre-natal health concerns, it is still an uphill march for women to get the needed professional assistance in all these instances. Women’s Health Month underscores the importance of equitable access to reproductive services, empowering women to make informed decisions about their bodies and futures.
3. Mental healthcare struggles
Like reproductive health care, a woman’s mental stability and its instability is somehow the concern of the society as a whole and not her concern alone. Just like how get their colds and fever treated, mental healthcare should also be available aplenty. From postpartum depression to separation anxiety, a woman goes through a lot mentally in every phase of her life. Women’s Health Month sheds light on the importance of mental health awareness, its advocacy, and destigmatization. By promoting open dialogue and access to mental health resources, we can better support women in their journey towards holistic wellness.
4. Health equity and empowerment
With all the claims of India being at the forefront of development, healthcare disparities still exist. A person’s location, socio-economic standing, and even his beliefs are held against him or for him in the healthcare system. And if it is a woman, it is a long journey for the doctor to even consider her illness an actual disease. By amplifying women’s voices, advocating for policy changes, discouraging disparities, and promoting health literacy, we can empower women to advocate for their health and contribute to broader efforts toward gender equality in healthcare.
Workplace and Women’s Health Month
It becomes a healthy working place when employers feel their concerns are heard and the solution is underway. Women’s health concerns can negatively impact their day’s work. So the month is celebrated to raise awareness about women’s health issues and help workplaces run smoothly and efficiently. From sanitary pads to menstrual leave, women’s health is slowly getting recognized, and solutions are also being sought.
Conclusion
As we celebrate Women’s Health Month, let us reaffirm our commitment to advancing women’s health and well-being worldwide. By addressing reproductive health, mental health, preventive care, health equity, and empowerment, we can create a future where every woman has the opportunity to thrive and lead a healthy, fulfilling life. Together, let’s champion women’s health as a fundamental human right and work towards a more equitable and inclusive healthcare landscape for all.