International Women’s Day is celebrated globally on the 8th of March to honour the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. It’s a day to celebrate women’s progress and contributions to society, and to recognise the obstacles they face in achieving gender equality. 

Standing together for women's mental health

At Vitality CBD, we want to assist women to be in a position of power to make informed decisions about their health and wellbeing. 

We are proud to be collaborating with WISH, which is a user-led women’s mental health charity working with women in hospitals, prisons and the community. They provide Gender-specific advocacy, Trauma informed counselling, support in the Community and Coaching.

Women with mental health needs in England and Wales are being let down by systems that weren’t designed for them, and that fail to address their histories of trauma, abuse, and domestic or sexual violence. They are disempowered, marginalised, and their needs are often dismissed as "hard to reach."

WISH helps women connect and open up – often for the first time. They stand together with them for the long term –  through the ups, downs, relapses, and revivals–  offering them trust, relational security, and guidance. 

Helping them build their own positive pathways under their own agency and control.

More than 1 in 10 women suffer from Endometriosis in the UK alone, whereas 1 in 10 women suffer from PCOS. With several reports of misdiagnoses, it is imperative that the correct information is readily accessible. 

Without doubt, women face significant challenges in healthcare. Their health concerns are often overlooked or dismissed and they face unique health challenges that require specific care and attention. Women need access to affordable and comprehensive healthcare, including reproductive health services and maternal care. It’s crucial to prioritise women’s health to ensure they can live full and healthy lives.

An ongoing fight for equality

Women have made significant strides in various fields, from science to politics, and from business to sports. The world is a better place because of the contributions of women, but there’s still a long way to go in achieving gender equality. Women still face systemic discrimination and inequality, and we need to continue to fight for their rights and opportunities.

One of the key areas in which women still face significant challenges is the workplace. Despite the progress made in recent years, women are still underrepresented in leadership positions and continue to earn less than men for the same work. The pandemic has made these disparities even more apparent, with women being disproportionately affected by job losses and increased caregiving responsibilities.

One way to address these challenges is by promoting gender equality in the workplace. Companies need to prioritise diversity and inclusion, and actively work to ensure that women have equal opportunities for career advancement and are paid fairly. Women also need access to affordable childcare and paid parental leave to balance work and family responsibilities.

Education is key

Education is another critical area for promoting gender equality. Educating girls is not only a human right, but it’s also essential for economic and social development. Girls who receive an education are more likely to earn higher wages, have healthier families, and be more active in their communities. We need to work to eliminate the barriers that prevent girls from accessing education, such as poverty, child marriage, and cultural norms that prioritise boys’ education over girls’.

On International Women’s Day, it’s important to remember that gender equality is not just a women's issue; it's a human rights issue. Men and women must work together to create a world where everyone has equal opportunities and can reach their full potential. This year’s International Women’s Day theme, “Choose to Challenge”, encourages individuals to take action and challenge the gender biases and inequalities that still exist. It’s up to all of us to create a world that is more just and equal for everyone.

Silence is compliance

Whilst it is difficult to categorically determine whether a female friend, family member, colleague or acquaintance is a victim of domestic abuse, there are several signs to look out for if you have any suspicions.

Pay attention to how they behave around their partner or listen out for unusual behaviours. Obvious signs such as cuts and bruises must always be taken into consideration, but signs of mental abuse can be a little trickier to pick up on. Is the woman in question more reclusive than usual? Do they break plans through fear of what their partner might say or do? Do you struggle to get in touch with them at certain times? Are they lacking in confidence? 

1 in 4 women have been raped or sexually assaulted as an adult. 1 in 2 rapes against women are carried out by their partner or ex-partner. 

Women will often put a brave face on to hide issues behind closed doors, if you have any genuine concerns it’s important to speak out. Likewise, if you have a friend who has demonstrated any abusive patterns of behaviour, call it out immediately- silence is indeed compliance.

International Women’s Day is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women and to reflect on the work that still needs to be done to achieve gender equality. 

Gender equality can have a positive impact on women's mental health in several ways. Firstly, when women have equal opportunities and access to resources such as education and employment, it can increase their sense of self-worth and autonomy, which can improve mental health outcomes. 

Secondly, eliminating gender-based violence and discrimination can reduce the stress and trauma that can negatively affect mental health. 

Finally, when women are treated as equal partners in relationships and have control over their reproductive health, it can reduce anxiety and improve overall mental well-being.

We are proud to provide a plethora of CBD-based products which promote a more balanced lifestyle and can aid with achieving a calmer mental headspace. By working together and taking action, we can create a world where women have equal opportunities and can reach their full potential.