All About International Women's Health Day 2025

The fight for reclaiming women's bodies for themselves is far from over. Women's sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) are fundamental human rights, yet they continue to be challenged in various parts of the world. Since 1987, International Women's Health Day, observed on May 28, has served as a global movement to protect the progress made in securing sexual and reproductive justice while resisting efforts to reverse these achievements.

Beyond reproductive rights, women's health is also about ensuring access to essential healthcare—from preventive screenings to financial security for medical emergencies. However, many women still hesitate when it comes to making financial decisions, particularly health insurance. Some leave it to their fathers, husbands, or brothers, while others find it overwhelming or too complex to navigate. But health insurance isn’t just a financial decision—it’s self-care. Women are more prone to health conditions such as breast and ovarian cancer, making early investment in comprehensive health coverage crucial.

And if financial planning feels daunting, just remember—getting health insurance is just Girl Logic. As the internet’s favorite girl, Shalini Passi, puts it, health insurance is good for your skin. Why? Because peace of mind leads to less stress, and less stress means better skin!

By ensuring that women take charge of their health—be it through access to quality medical care, breaking taboos around women’s health issues, or making independent financial choices—we take one step closer to true women’s empowerment.

Health Issues Women Face

Let’s take a step in the right direction by acknowledging the health issues that are shrouded in shame and common among women. Here are some examples:

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) :

PCOS is a disorder that affects women's hormone levels and causes enlarged ovaries and cysts on their outer edges. Some of its symptoms are irregular menstruation, obesity and excessive hair growth or acne. It is also the foremost cause of infertility among women. Moreover, if it is not treated on time, PCOS can lead to diabetes or heart disease.

Cervical and Breast Cancer :

Cervical cancer is diagnosed when a malignant tumour is found in a patient's cervix. Thousands die every year due to this disease. However, it can be prevented by administering an HPV vaccine and early detection through a pap smear test.

Women in the age bracket of 30 to 40 years in India are increasingly being diagnosed with breast cancer. Tests for screening of the breasts such as mammography can aid early detection of breast cancer.

Infertility and Premature Menopause :

Rise in levels of stress, pollution and hormonal imbalances are some of the causes of growing infertility among women. It can also come as a result of other health conditions. Another cause of infertility is premature menopause, which has been on the rise due to sedentary lifestyles. Osteoporosis and stroke are among the long-term ramifications of premature menopause.

Osteoporosis :

Osteoporosis causes bones to become brittle as bone removal cannot be matched with the creation of bone tissue. This condition is especially common among menopausal women. Other than medication, a healthy diet and exercise can help treat it.

Heart Diseases :

As menopause sets in, women tend to be at a higher risk of heart diseases. It is a good practice to go for regular checkups to detect any problems early.

Stress, Depression and Anxiety :

Conversation around mental health is now gaining momentum. Anxiety and depression, including postpartum, remain common among women owing to factors such as trauma, abuse or hormonal changes and can lead to suicidal tendencies. To make matters worse, there is immense stigma surrounding mental health which makes it difficult for women to identify the problem and seek treatment.

As women continue to leave their mark in the professional world, unfortunately, the behemoth of stress also rears its ugly head. Stress comes as a result of unfair expectations from women in a tough professional environment as well as the domestic space.

Obesity :

Sedentary lifestyles are a leading cause of obesity among women. They often arise from employment conditions which are increasingly giving way to long hours behind a desk. Obesity is also an underlying cause of several other serious ailments, including certain types of cancer.

A Basic Guide to Sexual and Reproductive Health

While this list is not exhaustive, it presents a fair picture of the many health problems that women face today. However, it is not all grim and dreary for women because they can take charge of their sexual and reproductive wellness by making it a point to incorporate these practices in their daily routines:

Know, Appreciate and Respect your Body :

The first step towards ensuring that your sexual health is to know your body. Women, in a number of cases, grow up feeling ashamed of their bodies, having been instructed to hide their menstruation and bodily developments right from the get-go. In fact, many don't even know what their genitals look like. Observe all parts of your body carefully, and remember that colour, size and shape are of no consequence as long as you are healthy. Your body has weathered so many years of your life, so you should be grateful for it and treat it well. Eat healthy, exercise and kick all bad habits to show your body the respect it deserves.

Consult the Right Gynaecologist :

Do not use appointments with your gynaecologist as damage control. Instead, spend time researching the right doctor for you who can guide you through it all - whether it is sexually transmitted diseases or infections, planned or unplanned pregnancies or menopause. Routinely seek advice on testing and vaccination and make it a point to go for regular checkups.

Get Tested :

It is important to educate yourself and get tested in time. Pap smear tests can aid early detection of any diseases and are also in the best interest of your partner. Moreover, if you experience excessive pain during your periods, visit your gynaecologist.

Educate Yourself :

Unfortunately, the state of sex education remains abysmal in India, which is why the onus of familiarising yourself with all its fundamentals falls on you. Moreover, in a time when misinformation travels faster than the speed of light, it is imperative that you gain an accurate and scientific understanding of STDs, menstruation and pregnancy. This can be done by talking to your doctor and asking questions in the time of doubt.

Conclusion

International day of action for women's health, or world women's health day, is an opportunity to remind all women that they hold the reins to their reproductive and sexual wellbeing. As modern life aggravates women’s health issues, advancements in medicine and tech are continuously finding solutions for them. Remember to “take action” and cultivate healthy habits to minimise any complications that may loom over your sexual health.