Every year on March 8, the world comes together to celebrate International Women's Day (IWD. A day to honour achievements, reflect on challenges, and push for progress. In 2025, the theme “Accelerate Action” calls for urgent steps to advance gender equality and women's rights. This year's celebration is marked by the vibrant purple colour theme, symbolizing justice and dignity, and the mimosa flower, which represents strength, resilience, and sensitivity—qualities that reflect the ongoing struggle for equitable gynaecological care.
For too long, women's health issues have been overlooked, underfunded, and dismissed. From delayed diagnoses of endometriosis to disparities in cancer care, the barriers remain significant. Now is the time to move beyond discussions and take action that transforms women's healthcare worldwide.
The Urgency of Gynaecological Care: Why We Must Act Now
Despite medical advancements, gynaecological conditions remain underdiagnosed, undertreated, and underfunded. Women's pain is often dismissed, symptoms ignored, and treatments delayed, leading to preventable suffering and complications. Some of the most pressing issues include:
- Endometriosis & PCOS: It takes an average of 8 years to diagnose endometriosis, even though it affects 1 in 10 women. Many also struggle to receive effective treatment for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which impacts hormonal health, fertility, and metabolism.
- Gynaecological Cancers: Cervical and ovarian cancer survival rates differ drastically depending on where a woman lives. While HPV vaccination and cervical screening have reduced cervical cancer deaths in some countries, many women worldwide lack access to these life-saving interventions.
- Menopause & Reproductive Health Stigma: Menopause symptoms can be debilitating, yet many women struggle to access hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or specialist care. In some cultures, discussions about reproductive health remain taboo, preventing women from getting the support they need.
Who Faces the Greatest Barriers?
As we accelerate action for better gynaecological care, we must recognize that some women face even greater obstacles:
- Women of Color & Ethnic Minorities: Studies show that Black and South Asian women experience higher maternal mortality rates, later cancer diagnoses, and disparities in pain management.
- LGBTQ+ Individuals: Many lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people experience discrimination or lack of provider knowledge in gynaecological settings, leading to delayed or avoided care.
- Women with Disabilities: Routine gynaecological exams, screenings, and reproductive healthcare remain inaccessible for many women with disabilities.
- Women in Low-Income Communities: Socioeconomic barriers result in limited healthcare access, fewer screenings, and higher rates of untreated conditions.
Accelerating Action: What Needs to Change?
The time for slow progress is over—we must act decisively to improve gynaecological care on a global scale. Here's how we can make a difference:
Prioritize Women's Health in Policy & Funding
- Governments must increase funding for gynaecological research, early diagnosis, and specialist care.
- Expand free cervical screening, HPV vaccinations, and accessible menopause treatments.
- Ensure gender-specific research is included in medical advancements.
Improve Medical Training & Awareness
- Educate healthcare providers on gender biases and inclusive care.
- Accelerate training for earlier diagnosis of conditions like endometriosis and ovarian cancer.
- Ensure trauma-informed care in gynaecological settings to support survivors of sexual violence.
Expand Access to Gynaecological Services
- Make cancer screenings, fertility treatments, and menopause care more widely available.
- Support telemedicine and mobile health clinics to reach underserved communities.
- Provide affordable and accessible contraception for all women.
Raise Awareness & Challenge Stigma
- Talk openly about menopause, menstrual health, and reproductive rights.
- Encourage women to prioritize check-ups and screenings.
- Challenge misinformation and harmful myths about gynaecological conditions.
The Future of Women's Health Starts Now
As we celebrate International Women's Day 2025, let's commit to real, lasting change. The mimosa flower reminds us of women's resilience, and the purple theme symbolizes justice—but symbols are not enough. We need action. By working together—healthcare providers, policymakers, researchers, and individuals—we can ensure that women's health is no longer an afterthought, but a priority. Now is the time to accelerate action and create a future where every woman receives the care she deserves.