Why women’s health is the foundation of empowerment

Each year, International Women’s Day (IWD) gives us a powerful moment to reflect, take stock, and most importantly, take action. But this year’s theme - #AccelerateAction - makes it clear: reflection isn’t enough. We need urgency, momentum, and real change.

At the current rate of progress, gender parity won’t be achieved until 2158 - five generations from now. That is unacceptable. (1)

We cannot sit back and wait. We must prioritise action now, not just in boardrooms and policies, but in something deeply personal: our health.

The link between health and empowerment

As women, we are told to be ambitious, to chase big goals, to break glass ceilings. But how can we do that if we are running on empty? And so many of us are.

More than nine in 10 (93 per cent) women say they have experienced mental health issues as a result of poor work-life balance. (2)

The truth is, real empowerment starts with how we take care of ourselves.

Yet, women are disproportionately struggling. The biggest threat to women's health in the UK is no longer breast cancer, it’s heart disease. Women are twice as likely as men to experience stress-related mental health issues. We now make up 51% of the workforce and are expected to work longer than ever before, yet many of our health needs remain under-researched, misunderstood, or dismissed.

We cannot be leaders, change-makers, and role models if we are burnt out, exhausted, and disconnected from our own wellbeing.

Why prioritising your health is an act of leadership

Many women put their own needs at the bottom of the list. There’s always something else - work, family, responsibilities - that feels more urgent. But when we neglect ourselves, we reinforce the very systems that hold us back.

If we want a world where women are stronger, healthier, and more represented in leadership, we must first commit to leading by example. That starts with showing younger generations that self-care is not selfish - it’s the foundation of success.

Think about the young girls growing up today. What message do they receive when they see the women around them constantly exhausted, putting themselves last, accepting burnout as the norm?

Now imagine the opposite. Imagine a world where girls grow up seeing women own their health, set boundaries, and prioritise their wellbeing. Imagine them learning that strength, energy, and confidence are built, not given.

That is how we create real, long-lasting change.

My three key takeaways for every woman:

As we mark International Women’s Day, I want to leave you with three key takeaways:

1?? You are worthy: Self-worth isn’t something we are born with; it’s something we build. Confidence, resilience, and belief in yourself grow when you take care of your health, through movement, nutrition, sleep, stress management, and mindset.

2?? You have a responsibility to lead by example: Whether you’re influencing your children, colleagues, or community, your actions shape the way others see what’s possible. The more we prioritise our wellbeing, the more we normalise a health-first approach to success.

3?? Happiness is linked to health: Stop waiting for ‘the right time’ to focus on yourself. Happiness isn’t something you earn when you achieve a goal, it’s something you cultivate through daily habits that become a part of who you are. The stronger you feel physically and mentally, the more you will feel in control of your life.

What’s one action you will take today?

The fight for gender equality is global, but the most powerful action you can take starts with you.

What’s one small step you can take today to accelerate action in your own life? Maybe it’s scheduling time for movement, making space for rest, or setting a boundary that protects your energy.

Whatever it is, it matters.

Because when you prioritise your health, you don’t just change your own life, you inspire change for every woman and girl who follows.

Let’s #AccelerateAction together ??

Sources used:

(1) - International Women's Day https://www.internationalwomensday.com/Theme

(2) - Bloom UK 2024 https://www.peoplemanagement.co.uk/article/1861218/nine-10-women-experience-mental-ill-health-poor-work-life-balance-study-shows#:~:text=balance%2C%20study%20shows-,Nine%20in%2010%20women%20experience%20mental%20ill%2Dhealth%20from,work%2Dlife%20balance%2C%20study%20shows&text=More%20than%20nine%20in%2010,by%20Bloom%20UK%20has%20found.