International Women’s Day is celebrated every year on 8 March. This day is celebrated to promote women’s rights, equality, and empowerment. This is not only a day to recognize the achievements of women, but also provides an opportunity to discuss the challenges faced by them. The issue of women’s health is one of the main aspects of this day because women must be healthy and strong in the development of society.
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Importance of International Women’s Day
The day began in the early 20th century, when women began fighting for their rights. Its main objective is to promote gender equality, empower women economically and socially and spread awareness about their rights.
International Women’s Day: Health-a global concern
Health is the most important aspect of any person’s life, and when we talk about women’s health, it becomes a widespread subject. Women face many types of health-related challenges, including nutrition, reproductive health, mental health, heart disease, cancer, and maternity complications.
Nutrition and women’s health
The role of nutrition in the overall health of women is very important. A balanced diet keeps women healthy and protects them from many diseases. Anemia (blood deficiency) is a common problem in women, especially in developing countries. Lack of iron, folic acid and vitamin B12 is the main reasons behind this.
Essential nutrients for women:
Iron – Iron requirement increases during menstruation and pregnancy.
Calcium is required for the strengthening of bones, especially after menopause.
Protein – Important for repair and development of body cells.
Omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial for heart and brain health.
Vitamin D – Strengthens bones and the immune system.
International Women’s Day: Breeding and maternity health
Breeding health is an important part of the entire health of women. Every woman has the right to conception and delivery. But maternal mortality remains a serious problem in many developing countries.
Main issues related to reproductive health:
Unwanted pregnancy and abortion
Lack of proper care during pregnancy
Delivery complications
Non-availability of contraceptive means
Lack of sexual and breeding health education
International Women’s Day: Mental health and women
The mental health of women is often not taken care of, while it affects their lives deeply. Mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, and post-partum depression are seen in women.
Factors affecting mental health:
Social pressure and expectations
Challenge to balance between work and family
Domestic violence and exploitation
Hormonal changes (pregnancy, menopause etc.)
Tension at workplace
International Women’s Day: Common diseases in women and their prevention
(i) Heart disease
Heart disease is one of the most deadly diseases for women.
Stress, inappropriate diet, and physical inactivity are the main reasons.
Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and stress management are necessary to prevent this.
(ii) Breast cancer and uterine cancer
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women.
Regular checkups and awareness can help control the disease.
Cervical cancer is also common in women, which can be prevented with the HPV vaccine and regular screening.
(iii) Osteoporosis
It is a bone-related disease, especially found in older women.
Calcium and vitamin D -containing diets, regular exercise and spending time in the sun are beneficial for this.
International Women’s Day:Awareness
Various government and non-governmental organizations are working to improve the health of women.
Major government schemes for women’s health in India:
Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) – to reduce maternal mortality.
Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) – Financial assistance for pregnant women.
Mission Indradhanush – Vaccination of newborns and pregnant women.
National Nutrition Mission – To improve the nutritional level of women and children.
Steps to keep women healthy
Health check-up – Regular health testing gives a quick identification of diseases.
Balanced diet – Proper nutrition keeps women healthy.
Exercise and yoga – helpful in improving mental and physical health.
Mental health attention – Proper care is necessary to avoid depression and stress.
Safe Motherhood – It is necessary to ensure the correct care and medical facility during pregnancy.
Conclusion
International Women’s Day is not only an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women, but it is also a day to focus on their health and welfare. Healthy women are the foundation of society, and it is the responsibility of the whole society to ensure their well-being. By providing women health services, nutrition, and mental health facilities, we can move towards a more prosperous and strong society.
Therefore, we should ensure that every woman gets her rights so that she can live a healthy, strong, and independent life.
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