International Day of Women's Health [28th May]

By : Neha Dhyani

Updated : Nov 4, 2022, 11:32

International Women's Health Day, also known as International Day of Action for Women's Health, is dedicated to women raising awareness about their right to health. Every year on 28th May, women and health organizations worldwide commemorate this unique day. International Women's Health Day was established in 1987 by the African government.

To this day, women from around the world struggle to get access to affordable healthcare. To amplify this issue, the International Day of Action for Women's Health is observed annually. To know more about this day, its history, and its significance, read the information given here.

International Women's Health Day 2023

International Day of Action for Women's Health is observed to raise awareness about women's health and well-being. On this day, people advocate for women's sexual rights and reproductive health. The themes such as sexual and reproductive health and rights are especially discussed on this day because women worldwide still struggle to prioritize their sexual health and to find access to healthcare.

This day was initiated by the Government of Africa after identifying the huge problem. Even now, many years after this special day was declared, the issue of women's health is a significant concern. As a result, International Women's Health Day is one of the most effective ways to raise awareness and educate women about the importance of their physical and mental health. Here is some more information about this day:

Event Name

International Day of Action for Women’s Health

Celebrated On

28th May

Established By

Government of Africa

Aim of the Day

To spread awareness about women’s health and demand better and accessible healthcare for them.

International Women's Health Day 2022 Theme

Each year, Women's Health Day is celebrated under unique themes. The themes are generally about bringing the focus on women's health-related problems. This year, the International Day of Action for Women's Health 2022 theme was "Resist and Persist." It aims to encourage women around the world to not give up and fight for their health rights. This theme is also related to the context of the post-pandemic health crisis, the details of which are given below.

Impact of the Pandemic on Women's Health

COVID-19 has had a negative and long-lasting impact on the world, yet not everyone is affected equally. The health and well-being of women are the most severely impacted. Vaccines are still unavailable, and healthcare systems are inadequate, but the impact is more significant.

International Day of Action for Women's Health aims to bring light to the fact that most women in distant places around the world are uninformed of their health rights. Even if they are, it is challenging for them to get access to healthcare.

International Women's Health Day aims to raise awareness about the issues that affect women and their health in different ways. There is a need for women to know the importance of their physical, mental, sexual, and reproductive health.

History of International Day of Action for Women's Health

International Women's Health Day was established in 1987, and the South African government recognized it for the first time. At the start of the day, a chance to educate and raise awareness about the importance of sexual and reproductive health and women's rights was finally recognized. Since then, the International Day of Action for Women's Health has been celebrated annually all over the world on 28th May.

Significance of International Women's Health Day

This year, the International Day of Action for Women's Health delivers a message that states "Resist and Persist" in response to the after-effects of the coronavirus pandemic. There is still a great significance in educating women about Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR).

In many countries around the world, women still know very little about maintaining their sexual health. Therefore, educating them about it, no matter what their religion or age is, remains paramount. International Day of Action for Women's Health is the perfect occasion for spreading awareness about these issues.

Women's Health Day - Sexual Health Rights for Women

The Women's Global Network for Reproductive Rights (WGNRR), created in 1984, organizes the International Day of Action for Women's Health. Women of all ages and religions from all corners of the globe have the right to sexual and reproductive health. The following rights are included in the SRHR:

  • Receive sexuality-related information.
  • Sexuality education is essential.
  • They get to pick their mate.
  • Decide whether or not to engage in sexual activity.
  • Make use of modern contraception.
  • Maternity care is available.
  • An abortion that is both safe and effective, as well as post-abortion care.
  • Understand how to avoid, care for, and treat sexually transmitted illnesses and infections.

Important Current Affairs Topics

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Global Handwashing DayInternational Girl Child Day
National Milk DayWorld Post Day
World Tsunami Awareness DayNational Cancer Awareness Day
World Day For Audiovisual HeritageWorld Biryani Day

FAQs on International Day of Women's Health

Q1. When is International Women's Health Day celebrated?

The International Day of Action for Women's Health Day is celebrated on 28th May every year. This day was established by the African government to fill the gap between women and accessible healthcare. Internation Women's Health Day is celebrated annually all over the world.

Q2. What is the International Day of Action for Women's Health 2022 Theme?

The theme of the International Day of Action for Women's Day 2022 is "Resist and Persist." This theme comes after the world is still getting over the after-effects of the coronavirus. This year's International Women's Health Day theme focuses on instilling a sense of resilience among women.

Q3. When was the International Day of Action for Women's Health established?

The International Day of Action for Women's Health Day was established in 1987 by the African government. This day is about realizing the gaps in women's healthcare and fulfilling them with accessible healthcare opportunities, and spreading awareness about sexual and reproductive health.

Q4. What is the importance of the International Day of Action for Women's Health?

International Day of Action for Women's Health is important because this day initiates a global conversation about women's sexual and reproductive health. It forces world leaders to establish accessible healthcare opportunities for women around the world.