By – Dr. N. Munal Meitei
Women’s health matters! Women’s health is now a branch of modern science dedicated to improving women’s physical and emotional well-being. International Day of Action for Women’s Health is celebrated on May, 28 with the theme for 2026, “Essential, Not Optional: Strengthening Health Systems to Uphold Health Rights and SRHRJ in Times of Polycrisis.”
This day captures the diverse perspectives and contextual realities of women in intersecting political, economic, social and climate crises in health systems and access to sexual and reproductive health, rights and justice (SRHRJ).The world is experiencing a polycrisis, where overlapping political, economic, social and environmental crises converge and intensify one another. Women experience various bodily changes throughout their lives, including menstruation, pregnancy and menopause. Recent surveys indicate that women are experiencing their reproductive health issues due to societal stigmas.
While International Women’s Day (March 8) focuses on gender equality and women’s empowerment in general, the International Women’s Health Day (May 28) is specifically dedicated to raising awareness about health and wellness issues affecting women, particularly in underserved regions.
Women in India often face health issues such as anemia, breast and cervical cancer, maternal mortality, poor menstrual hygiene and limited access to reproductive healthcare. Malnutrition is a significant health concern in the country leading to premature deaths and preterm deliveries. The domestic violence affects women’s mental health, leading to PTSD, anxiety, suicidal thoughts and depression. Emotional abuse including verbal abuse, body shaming, criticism, isolation during menstruation, and insults for not having a child, diminishing self-esteem and mental well-being.
Women- in India’s rural communities -disproportionately bear the burdens of environmental degradation and climate change. Women are concerned to environmental health, including, pollution &reproductive health. The exposure to micro plastics, toxic chemicals and endocrine-disrupting pollutants impacts hormonal balance and impacting reproductive systems. The increased vulnerability of pregnant women and girls during climate-induced disasters, where safe drinking water and medical facilities are disrupted.
Women play an essential role in the management of natural resources, including soil, water, forests and often have a profound traditional and contemporary knowledge of the natural world around them.
Women were previously neglected or ignored, but now increased in attention to the impact of the natural environment and, in return, the effects the environment on the health and well-being of women. Women, constituting 48.44% of India’s 1.46 billion people are the important activists, educators and public health and environmental conservationist. Women are the primary caregivers for their families and homes; their involvement in the environmental movement expanded the influence outside the home and into the public sphere.
Eco feminism, integrates feminism and political ecology which analyze relationships between humans and the natural world as the root ideology for women, environment and development. In India, women are at the forefront of environmental conservation, playing a critical role in addressing climate change through adaptation, mitigation and response strategies. Women are often the backbone of community -based initiatives, such as afforestation and other forestry activities. Women are the driving force in sustainability, including initiatives to reduce stubble burning and waste management for a greener future. While driving solutions, women and girls, especially in rural communities, bear the brunt of environmental degradation and biodiversity loss.
The climate crisis is not gender-neutral. Women are often the first to feel the impact of environmental degradation. In India, women spend hours walking to collect water and firewood, directly experiencing the effects of climate and deforestation. Historically, movements like the Chipko -demonstrated that women’s empowerment and environmental protection are inextricably linked. Women often lead in household waste management, biodiversity preservation and adoption of eco-friendly practices, driving grassroots environmental action.
With India aiming for a Viksit Bharat by 2047, women’s participation is not just a diversity goal -it’s an economic imperative. While progress is evident, the real challenge remains at their workplaces and with domestic violences. Millions of women have switched to LPG under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana to lower their dependence on fossil fuels. The country is rationally mobilizing to use tap water provided under the Har Ghar Jal program for sanitation and water conservation.
International Day of Action for Women’s Health is not merely about the pivotal role and the indispensable relation of women in shaping society but recognizing that a sustainable future requires women health for social and environmental protection. By empowering women and their health, nation is directly investing in a resilient, greener and more equitable future.
(The author is Environmentalist, presently working as DFO/Chandel, email: nmunall@yahoo.in)