Inspire Inclusion for Women’s Health

Happy International Women’s Day! Let’s talk about why women’s health is so important to me, you and our society.

Disclaimer – for IWD, we will refer to women’s experiences of healthcare throughout. However, the unique experiences of trans and non-binary humans are honoured, respected and also need inclusion within our healthcare system.

You may have noticed the power of pink – it is considered to be the most soothing colour, after all! This week has been a ripple of pink across our socials, including our emphasis on women’s health and people pleasing.  

Women play a crucial role in our society, making up more than half the humans on this planet. Women take on most of the caregiving needs of our society, in one way or another. Yet we have inadequate support available to women, with limitations in research and intervention for many women’s health issues – including menopause, which all people with a womb experience.

But what do we mean by women’s health? Isn’t that just human health?

Women’s health refers to the specific experiences of female bodies which are affected by unique hormonal transitions like puberty, pregnancy, and menopause. These times of transition have a huge impact on our mental and physical health. Women’s health also includes dysregulated hormonal issues such as PMDD, PCOS, and endometriosis, and concerns around sexual health and intimacy.

Women’s work, relationships and health suffer when we do not provide appropriate support around these concerns. Take menopause as an example – most women report negative impacts on their relationships and worklife, as well as many intense symptoms. Yet there is no mandatory training on menopause for health providers within their training. Moreover, there’s a lot of misinformation and stigma around these conversations.

There’s so much wisdom that women have to share, creating opportunities for self-growth and change.  As the theme for International Women’s Day this year is ‘Inspire Inclusion’, I’d like to propose a health revolution, starting with the choices I made. Maybe you’d like to do the same?

Today, I will choose women’s health-informed practitioners for my health needs.
Today, I will prioritise my own needs with compassion.
Today, I will validate how much my body and mind goes through each month.
Today, I will offer the women around me the support they need to take control of their healthcare.

Let’s start a conversation around this on Instagram – come and share your thoughts! @calmcollectivepsychology

Warm wishes,

Grace (she/her)