New Focus On Women’s Health Highlighted As Critical Driver Of South Africa’s Economic Development

According to the latest South African Demographic and Health Survey (2008-2016), only 76% of women in rural areas reported visiting antenatal care four or more times during their pregnancy, compared to 73% in urban areas (which even declined).

This is exacerbated by the fact that access to contraception and preventative screenings also remains inconsistent, with the public sector facing long backlogs for essential diagnostic services.

Three areas of concern:

• Inconsistent maternal and reproductive care: Rural women are often forced to travel long distances to clinics or go without essential services.
• Fragmented care across life stages: There is no continuity between menstrual health, fertility, menopause, and chronic disease management.
• Data and research gaps: Leave low-income women of colour underrepresented in clinical studies and health programme design.

“These women aren’t reflected in the research, so policies and treatments don’t meet their needs,” Lacy remarks.

“That leads to misdiagnoses, poorer outcomes, and a real sense of being invisible in the system.”

Mental health

Mental health is another area where women are falling through the cracks.

Research suggests mood and anxiety disorders are more common among women, but cultural stigma, lack of support, and affordability often prevent them from getting help.

“Many women suffer in silence,” says Dr Moratwe Masima, Profmed spokesperson and practising GP.

“There’s still a belief that talking about mental health is weakness, especially for mothers and caregivers.

“And if you live in a community where privacy is limited or support is unavailable, it’s even harder to speak out.”

Prevention is power

Sadly, it is a widely known truth that women will more likely put off their healthcare checkups if it is too expensive or if another family member also requires care.

This can lead to a mess of delayed diagnoses of serious issues like cervical and breast cancer, still one of the leading forms of female cancer death.

“Women are health-conscious but just not about themselves,” says Masima.

“We’re the first to take a child or partner to the doctor, but we often put off our check-ups or even totally ignore symptoms.”

But the World Health Organisation states that ‘70% of cervical cancer deaths in low- and middle-income countries could be prevented with early screening and HPV vaccination.

Masima says lifestyle-related illnesses like hypertension, obesity and diabetes (which affect more women than men in South Africa) also require early intervention.

“That’s why we’re urging women to start small. Book the check-up, ask the question, take the walk,” she says. “Prevention is power.”

Workplace support

Lacy emphasises that employers can make significant changes by implementing supportive policies.

These include flexible work arrangements, comprehensive health benefits, and health education programmes aimed at reducing stigma around issues such as menopause, infertility, and mental illness.

These initiatives not only foster a more inclusive workplace but also empower employees to prioritise their wellbeing without fear of discrimination or hardship.

“When women have access to early screening and workplace support, outcomes improve dramatically,” Lacy explains.

“It’s not just good for women, it’s good for business.”

As the country reflects on its progress this Women’s Month, Lacy and Masima are calling for renewed focus on health equity as a building block for inclusive economic growth.

“When women are healthy, they can lead, earn, and contribute fully,” says Masima.