National Women’s Health Week: how (and why) to get involved
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Chris Mosunic, PhD, RD, CDCES, MBA
Learn about the history and importance of National Women's Health week, and 10 tips to get involved. Plus, the key role mental health plays in women's wellbeing.
National Women’s Health Week (the second week of May) is dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of women’s health. This week-long event highlights the unique health challenges women face — mental, emotional, and physical — and serves as a reminder of how important it is for women in the U.S. to be able to prioritize their wellbeing.
What is National Women's Health Week, and what is its significance?
National Women’s Health Week is an initiative from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' office that’s dedicated to raising awareness of women’s health issues. These include reproductive health issues, chronic diseases, and mental health concerns, among others.
When is National Women's Health Week?
National Women's Health Week is a seven-day event focused entirely on women’s health beginning on Mother's Day — the second Sunday in May — each year. The week draws attention to these diverse and complex issues, promoting awareness and understanding among the public.
National Women’s Health Week is also an opportunity for women and their families to devote more time and energy into learning about and supporting women’s health issues that matter to them. In addition, healthcare organizations, communities, and people come together to host events, share information, and support women in making informed health decisions.
Empowering society through women’s health
Studies have shown that there’s gender inequality when it comes to healthcare. Research indicates that doctors are more likely to dismiss women’s physical conditions as merely psychological and write off complaints of chronic pain. In addition, women have historically been underrepresented in clinical trials, even in areas that most impact them, including cardiovascular disease, psychiatric disorders, and cancer. The problem is even more pronounced for women of color.
Acknowledging these discrepancies and working to fix them is a critical step toward achieving gender equality in healthcare and in society.
The more that our society understands the importance of women's health, the less stigmatized many topics, especially those involving mental and maternal health, can become. If women are able to speak openly about their healthcare concerns, and be taken seriously by medical professionals or employers, they’re more likely to receive the support they deserve.
When women feel empowered to take action on their health without stigma or barriers — such as through preventative care and screening — it can benefit their loved ones and all of society. Celebrating Women’s Health Week is a small step you can take to help de-stigmatize these issues that keep women from thriving.
10 tips to celebrate National Women’s Health Week
Getting involved in National Women's Health Week can be a powerful, thought-provoking, and meaningful experience. Remember, every action, no matter how small, can have a positive impact on women's health and wellbeing.
1. Educate yourself and others if needed
If the idea of Women’s Health Week is new to you, you can check out reputable sources to understand the history and purpose. If you feel inclined, share this knowledge with friends, family, and through wider platforms to spread awareness and normalize the conversation, particularly around issues that may be plagued by stigma.
2. Attend or host events
Look for local or virtual events focused on women's health. These might be webinars and workshops, fitness classes, or health fairs. Consider hosting your own event that brings people together to understand the meaning of Women’s Health Week.
💙 Learn how to create lasting relationships with other women you meet at these events by practicing Deeper Communication.
3. Support mental health initiatives
Support or donate to mental health organizations. Encourage open conversations about mental health to help reduce stigma.
💙 Mental health is important for everyone. Jeff Warren’s Democratization of Mental Health explores why.
4. Volunteer your time
Offer your time to local health organizations, women's shelters, or community centers. Volunteering can take many forms, from providing administrative support to aiding in health education programs and even donating monetarily if your time is limited. However you show up can make an impact.
5. Advocate for women's health rights
Write to your representatives, participate in advocacy groups, or support health-focused campaigns to advocate for policies and programs that support women's health.
6. Promote preventive care
If you’re a woman, you may consider using this week as a reminder to schedule regular check-ups and screenings — and encourage the women in your life to be proactive about their healthcare too. You can also organize a group appointment day to make health a collective priority.
7. Utilize social media
Social media platforms are powerful tools for raising awareness. Share posts, articles, and stories related to women's health using hashtags related to National Women's Health Week. This can make it easier to join broader conversations and even celebrate successes.
💙 Social media can be a great tool — but it can be a source of stress too. Our Social Media and Screen Addiction series can help you navigate social media in a healthy way to create the most change.
8. Support women-led businesses
Many women-led companies focus on health, wellness, and self-care. By supporting these businesses, you help promote a culture that values women's health.
9. Get educated on healthy lifestyle choices
Talk with the women in your life about their nutrition, exercise, and healthy habits. Encourage and support each other in lifestyle choices that contribute to long-term health.
💙 In her Mindful Eating series, Tamara Levitt digs into how you can turn mealtime into a mindful experience.
10. Create a supportive environment
Encourage an environment that supports women's health in your workplace, school, or community. This can include advocating for a more flexible work environment, ensuring access to health resources, or simply being someone who listens and offers support.
Women’s health week FAQs
What is the meaning of a health week?
The meaning of a health week, whether it's for women, men, or general health, is to promote awareness about health issues. It encourages people to take proactive steps toward healthier living, and highlights the importance of regular health check-ups and preventive care. It’s a reminder that everyone can play a role in maintaining their health through informed choices and actions.
When is Men's Health Week?
A counterpart to National Women’s Health Week, Men's Health Week is traditionally observed each year in the week leading up to — and including — Father's Day. It focuses on raising awareness of preventable health problems and encouraging early detection and treatment of diseases prevalent in men and boys.
Why is women's health important?
It may seem obvious, but women's health is crucial for the overall wellbeing of societies and families. Healthy women are essential to the strength and stability of our communities. Addressing women's health issues not only improves the quality of life for women but also supports a healthier society by preventing diseases, reducing healthcare costs, and promoting healthier, more productive lifestyles.
When is Women's Health Week?
National Women’s Health Week starts on Mother's Day each year and lasts through the following week. It’s an initiative by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that’s dedicated to raising awareness of women’s health issues. The goal of National Women's Health Week is to spotlight women’s healthcare issues.
From highlighting reproductive health issues to discussing chronic diseases and mental health concerns, celebrating Women’s Health Week involves empowering women to take action toward healthier physical, mental, and emotional health — and advocating for change on their behalf.
Women face health challenges and disparities throughout their lifetimes. The week draws attention to these diverse, complex issues and promotes more awareness and understanding.
Calm your mind. Change your life.
Mental health is hard. Getting support doesn't have to be. The Calm app puts the tools to feel better in your back pocket, with personalized content to manage stress and anxiety, get better sleep, and feel more present in your life.
Images: Getty
