Making a Difference by Prioritising Women’s Wellness
On the 27th of August 2024, in celebration of Women’s Month in South Africa, we hosted an inspiring internal webinar on Women’s Wellness, moderated by our very own THINKer Michaela Higgins Sørensen. The session explored what wellness truly means for women, acknowledging the many layers and challenges involved.
We were fortunate to hear from three insightful in-house speakers: Camilla Lund, Dr Suzanne Staples, and Dr Thato Mosidi. Each shared their unique perspectives on wellness, with the central message being that women must prioritise their well-being and recognise their inherent worth. A word cloud generated from the audience’s responses revealed that many of our female THINKers juggle multiple roles, often performing invisible work. This highlights why conversations about women’s wellness are so important as it is vital that we improve societal support for women.
Women THINKer’s responses.
Dr Suzanne Staples kicked things off by discussing the ground-breaking work THINK has done for and by women, such as reducing TB treatment times from two years to six months. She highlighted how much medical research is male-focused, often treating women as ‘smaller men’, which results in less effective treatments for women and children. At THINK, we aim to make a difference by conducting our own research focused on women and children so they get the best health outcomes.
Dr Staples also addressed the stigma and discrimination women often face when diagnosed with an illness, which can lead to ostracisation, financial instability, and limited access to healthcare. Women, particularly those with household and childcare responsibilities, often find it difficult to access continued treatment. This, combined with the risks of TB transmission and the co-morbidity rate of HIV, underscores the pressing need to prioritise women’s health, something THINK is dedicated to doing.
“In South Africa, women carry out up to three times more unpaid care work than men, which has a significant impact on their well-being.”
Our second speaker, Camilla Lund, provided crucial context by discussing feminism and the inequalities women face, particularly the ‘triple burden’ of managing a household, holding down a job, and participating in their communities. She introduced the concept of the ‘second shift’, where women, after completing a full day’s paid work, return home to unpaid roles as caregivers, housekeepers, and more. In South Africa, women carry out up to three times more unpaid care work than men, which has a significant impact on their well-being. This invisible labour can quickly become overwhelming.
Camilla also touched on the harmful effects of patriarchal beliefs on both women’s and men’s mental health. Women are often made to feel they are worth less than men, damaging their self-esteem and mental wellness. At the same time, societal pressures around traditional masculine roles can cause men to feel stressed and anxious about fulfilling expectations, such as being the primary breadwinner. These patriarchal norms are harmful to everyone, perpetuating inequality and mental strain.
Finally, Dr Thato Mosidi shared ten practical tips for maintaining physical health and mental wellness. Her advice included:
- Practise self-care
- Set clear boundaries and respect them
- Prioritise tasks and avoid multitasking
- Delegate and share responsibilities
- Use technology wisely
- Seek support and don’t hesitate to ask for help
- Practise mindful transitions between work and home
- Focus on quality over quantity
- Set realistic expectations
- Plan ahead
To conclude, the webinar was a powerful reminder that women’s wellness is about much more than managing multiple roles, it’s about recognising our worth and taking care of ourselves. With practical tips and valuable insights, the session was a call for all women to prioritise their well-being and to rise above the pressures they often face.
And remember ladies, you’re not just balancing many hats, you’re wearing a crown!
Léa Haulin
THINK Network Communications Intern
Autumn 2024