Women’s Health Matters

Every year on 28 May, the world marks the International Day of Action for Women’s Health. The day serves as a reminder that women and girls everywhere deserve the right to accessible, affordable, and respectful healthcare.

In South Africa, where many women face both social and financial barriers to quality health services, it’s crucial to highlight what support exists-and how to access it.

Access to free and low-cost services

While private gynaecological care may be unaffordable for many, there are public and community-based options available.

Government clinics and community health centres across the country offer free services including:

• Family planning and contraceptives

• Antenatal and postnatal care

• Pap smears and breast examinations

• HIV and STI testing

You can find your nearest government clinic by visiting www.health.gov.za or by calling the Department of Health’s hotline at 0800 029 999.

Major pharmacy groups are also stepping in to close the healthcare gap:

• Clicks Clinics offer affordable pap smears, breast exams, and family planning consultations at selected branches. Appointments can be booked online or at the pharmacy counter.

• Dis-Chem Clinics provide similar services, often running women’s health awareness campaigns during Women’s Month and offering discounted rates for screenings.

Sanitary pad access and menstrual health drives

For thousands of girls and women, a lack of access to sanitary pads affects not only their health, but their dignity and education.

• The Sanitary Dignity Programme, launched by the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, provides free sanitary pads to learners from low-income households through schools and clinics.

• Community-based initiatives like the #Pads4Paps campaign offer an innovative way to give back-donate pads and receive a free women’s health check in return.

• To support or benefit from these initiatives, enquire at your local clinic, school, or NGO hub.

Know your body: simple health checks

Early detection can save lives. Women are encouraged to:

• Do monthly breast self-examinations. Look for lumps, discharge, or changes in breast shape.

• Get pap smears regularly (every 3 years from age 25 or earlier if sexually active).

• Discuss family medical history with a healthcare provider to manage risk for conditions like breast or cervical cancer.

• For free tutorials on breast self-exams, visit www.cansa.org.za.

Your health is your right Women’s health goes beyond motherhood and menstruation. It includes mental wellness, safety, sexual health, and freedom from stigma.

Let’s use this day and every day to speak up, support others, and stay informed, because when women are healthy, families and communities thrive too.