International Women’s Day 2025: Accelerating Action for Gender Equality in Mental Health
International Women’s Day (IWD) is a global celebration of the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. It also serves as a call to action for advancing gender equality. The theme this year is #AccelerateAction, urging individuals, communities, and organisations to take decisive steps toward gender equality.
As Dr. Nihara Krause MBE, CEO of stem4, explains:
“Accelerating action for gender equality in health and survival requires a critical focus on mental health, as psychological well-being is deeply intertwined with physical health and overall quality of life. Women and girls worldwide face unique mental health challenges, often shaped by societal expectations, gender-based violence, economic disparities, and caregiving burdens. The stigma surrounding women’s mental health—particularly in areas such as postpartum depression, trauma from domestic or sexual violence, and the pressures of balancing work and family—creates barriers to seeking support and receiving adequate care. Systemic inequalities in healthcare further exacerbate these issues, with women frequently underdiagnosed, misdiagnosed, or dismissed when experiencing mental health concerns. Additionally, the emotional labour disproportionately placed on women—whether in the workplace or at home—contributes to chronic stress, burnout, and increased vulnerability to anxiety and depression.”
“This International Women’s Day, we must take decisive steps to challenge these barriers by advocating for gender-sensitive mental health policies, increasing access to affordable and culturally competent care, and fostering environments that normalise conversations around women’s mental health. Prioritising resilience is not only an individual necessity but a societal responsibility—one that ensures every woman and girl can thrive both mentally and physically, free from stigma and systemic disadvantage.”
By accelerating our efforts to support women’s mental health, we ensure that every woman and girl has the opportunity to flourish, free from the barriers of stigma, neglect, and inequality.
