On International Women’s Day, it’s crucial to address the multifaceted aspects of women’s health and empowerment. From the biological to the societal, women face a myriad of challenges and experiences that shape their well-being and opportunities throughout their lives. Let’s delve into some of these critical areas and explore the intersections between health, society, and empowerment.

NB: The content below is based on my own personal opinions, but where possible I have cited relevant statistics from respectable organisations. This post is also not designed to reprimand men in anyway; but rather to shed light on the not so ephemeral imbalance of the world we live in.

The Menstrual Cycle

The stigma surrounding menstruation persists globally, with UNESCO estimating that at least 500 million women and girls lack adequate facilities for menstrual hygiene management [1]. In some regions, girls miss school due to lack of access to menstrual products, perpetuating a cycle of poverty and inequality. According to a study by Plan International UK, nearly half of girls in the UK are embarrassed by their periods [2], while a survey by Always found that nearly one in five girls in the United States have missed school due to lack of access to menstrual products [3]. Breaking the silence surrounding menstruation and ensuring access to menstrual hygiene products are crucial steps in promoting women’s health and empowerment.

Body Image

Societal pressures and media representations of the ideal body contribute to poor body image among women. According to BEAT UK, 937,500 women currently have an eating disorder in the United Kingdom, 75% of all cases [4]. Additionally, the Dove Global Beauty and Confidence Report found that only 4% of women around the world consider themselves beautiful [5]. This negative body image can have serious consequences for women’s mental and physical health, emphasising the importance of promoting body positivity, self-love, and acceptance.

Societal Pressures

Societal pressures on women, particularly regarding body image and beauty standards, are pervasive and often deeply ingrained. From a young age, girls are bombarded with messages from media, advertising, and popular culture that dictate what it means to be attractive and desirable. These unrealistic standards often prioritise thinness, youthfulness, and a specific type of physical appearance, leading many women to feel inadequate or insecure about their bodies. The pressure to conform to these ideals can have damaging consequences on women’s self-esteem, mental health, and overall well-being.

Below is a link to an interesting article by PR Newswire with more statistics: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-dove-research-finds-beauty-pressures-up-and-women-and-girls-calling-for-change-583743391.html

Furthermore, the influence of men in perpetuating these beauty standards cannot be overlooked. While societal pressures on women are multifaceted and stem from various sources, the male gaze plays a significant role in shaping perceptions of beauty and attractiveness. Women are often objectified and valued primarily for their appearance, leading to a culture that prioritises physical attractiveness above all else. This dynamic not only reinforces harmful stereotypes and gender roles but also places undue pressure on women to conform to narrowly defined beauty standards in order to gain validation and acceptance from men and society at large. As a result, women may feel compelled to engage in behaviours such as extreme dieting, cosmetic procedures, or other harmful practices in an attempt to meet these unrealistic expectations, further perpetuating a cycle of dissatisfaction and insecurity.

Hormones and Menopause

Hormonal fluctuations throughout a woman’s life can have significant effects on her physical and emotional well-being. During menopause, which typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, women may experience symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and changes in libido. GenM reports that approximately 75% of women experience hot flashes during menopause, with symptoms lasting an average of seven years [6]. Providing education, support, and access to healthcare services can help women navigate this stage of life with dignity and empowerment.

Despite the fact that almost every woman worldwide experiences menopause, there is still a pervasive stigma surrounding this natural phase of life. Menopause is often shrouded in silence and misconceptions, leading many women to feel isolated and unsupported during this transitional period. However, there is hope on the horizon thanks to movements like GenM and their innovative ‘M-Tick’ initiative. By introducing a recognisable symbol on menopause-friendly products, GenM is not only helping women navigate the challenges of menopause but also sparking important conversations and raising awareness about this often misunderstood topic [7].

GenM’s campaign to destigmatise menopause and promote dialogue around women’s health is a crucial step towards fostering understanding and support for women experiencing this life stage. By challenging taboos and normalising discussions about menopause, GenM is empowering women to embrace this phase of life with confidence and dignity. Through education, advocacy, and community support, GenM is driving positive change and paving the way for a future where menopause is celebrated as a natural and empowering aspect of womanhood.

Childbirth and Postpartum Depression

Childbirth is a transformative experience, but it can also be accompanied by significant challenges, including postpartum depression. According to the NHS, approximately between 10-15 in 100 women experience postpartum depression in the UK, with symptoms ranging from feelings of sadness and anxiety to difficulty bonding with the baby [8,9]. Despite its prevalence, postpartum depression often goes undiagnosed and untreated due to stigma and lack of awareness. Childbirth alone can be a difficult experience, and support is needed for all new mothers. By normalising discussions around maternal mental health and providing comprehensive support and resources for new mothers, we can ensure that every woman receives the care and support she needs during this vulnerable time.

Sexism, Glass Ceiling, and Pay Gap

Sexism and gender discrimination continue to permeate every aspect of society, including the workplace. The World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2020 found that it will take 99.5 years to close the gender gap worldwide at the current rate of progress [10]. Other sources say it will take up to 135.6 years [11]. Women are underrepresented in leadership positions, with only 29% of senior management roles globally held by women, according to a report by Grant Thornton International [12]. The gender pay gap for all employees was 14.3% in 2023. The average male salary across all ages for males in 2023 was £34,549 and for females £29,520, according to Statista [13]. Closing the gender gap and promoting gender equity in hiring, promotion, and compensation are essential steps in creating a more inclusive and equitable society where every woman has the opportunity to thrive and succeed.

Bonus section: The World I Want My Daughters To Be Raised In

While it may seem daunting to expect significant change within just 5-10 years, I hold hope for a better future, especially for my future daughters. I envision a world where they won’t face the same gender disparities that persist today—the gender pay gap, societal pressures on appearance, and safety concerns when walking alone at night. My aspiration is for my daughters to flourish and thrive, unencumbered by limitations imposed by their gender. I want them to have equal opportunities to rise to the highest echelons of success, free from discrimination or fear. However, the current trajectory suggests that achieving this utopian vision may take longer than we hope. Nonetheless, it’s imperative that we strive to create a more equitable world. It’s not about pitting women against men but about recognizing that fairness and respect are fundamental rights for all individuals, regardless of gender. By fostering education and awareness on these issues, we can promote mindfulness and encourage a society where everyone is treated with dignity and equality.

References:

[1] Mukerjee & Masood, 2023: Menstrual health and hygiene management: survey and gap analysis report https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000385512

[2] Plan International, 2017: Almost half of girls aged 14-21 are embarrassed by their periods https://plan-uk.org/media-centre/almost-half-of-girls-aged-14-21-are-embarrassed-by-their-periods

[3] The Always Confidence and Puberty Wave VI Study, Nov. 2017; based on females aged 16-24 years old.

[4] Beat UK, 2019: How many people have an eating disorder in the UK? https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/get-information-and-support/about-eating-disorders/how-many-people-eating-disorder-uk/

[5] Dove, 2023: The Dove Global Girls Beauty and Confidence Report https://digitaluniversity.womendeliver.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Mod-1-2017-Dove-Global-Girls-Beauty-and-Confidence-Report.pdf

[6] GenM, 2022: Menopause, Hot flushes https://gen-m.com/symptom/hot-flushes/#:~:text=Although%2075%25%20of%20women%20will,continue%20for%20several%20years%20after.

[7] GenM, 2022: M-Tick https://gen-m.com/m-tick/

[8] NHS, https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/post-natal-depression/overview/

[9] Green, 2018: Postnatal Depression https://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/mental-health/mental-illnesses-and-mental-health-problems/post-natal-depression#:~:text=Postnatal

[10] World Economic Forum, 2019: Global Gender Gap Report 2020 https://www.weforum.org/publications/gender-gap-2020-report-100-years-pay-equality/

[11] Haynes, 2021: The Global Gender Gap Will Take an Extra 36 Years to Close After the COVID-19 Pandemic, Report Finds https://time.com/5951101/global-gender-gap-135-years/

[12] Grant Thornton Report, 2012: Women in senior management – still not enough https://www.grantthornton.global/globalassets/1.-member-firms/global/insights/pdf-cover-images/ibr2012—women-in-senior-management-master.pdf

[13] Statista, 2023: Median annual earnings for full-time employees in UK in 2023, by age and gender https://www.statista.com/statistics/802183/annual-pay-employees-in-the-uk/