Flowers, chocolates, pink gifts... The days when International Women's Day was solely marked by clichés are long gone. Today, we know that the strength of women goes far beyond stereotypes.
There are still challenges, but we are increasingly winning our space and showing our capabilities, making the battle for equality and recognition ever closer!
When we talk about “head of the family”, many people still think of a man, but this reality is changing. Today, 49.1% of Brazilian households are headed by women,, according to the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE).
This growth is happening because women are more present in the job market and, in many cases, are taking on responsibilities that were previously seen as belonging to men. They not only provide for their families, but also gain financial independence and more assurance in deciding their own future.
Balancing work, home and personal life is a challenging reality for many women. The intense routine of juggling work, family, and household responsibilities can end up pushing self-care to the background. Over time, this overload can cause problems such as:
Finding balance is key to living a healthier and happier life. Small changes, such as setting boundaries between work and personal life, sharing tasks, and setting aside time for self-care, can make all the difference.
In addition, keeping up to date with medical appointments, taking care of mental health and encouraging healthy habits in the family all help to create a more balanced and positive environment for everyone.
Remember: taking care of yourself is not a luxury—it's an act of self-love and a necessity for living with more energy and happiness.
Women's health undergoes various changes over the years, and each stage requires specific care to ensure quality of life and well-being. Understanding these changes and seeking appropriate medical care is the first step towards living healthier and more confidently.
Right from the teenage years, when your body starts to change, it's important to establish a relationship of trust with your health. The first visit to the gynecologist helps to clarify doubts about the menstrual cycle, vaccinations and healthy habits, preparing the young woman for the next stages of life.
In adulthood, between the ages of 20 and 40, new responsibilities arise, such as the start of sexual life, family planning and pregnancy. Regular visits to the gynecologist help prevent illness, ensure a healthy pregnancy and provide guidance on safe choices for the future.
During pregnancy, prenatal care is essential to take care of both mother and baby, identifying risks early on and promoting a more peaceful and safe experience.
Between the ages of 45 and 55, menopause brings significant changes. Before menopause, there is perimenopause, a phase in which female hormone levels gradually decrease, causing symptoms such as hot flashes, sleep disturbances, mood swings, and physical changes.
Adopting healthy habits, such as maintaining a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, exercising regularly, and seeking medical support, helps navigate this phase with greater comfort and balance.
Small attitudes make a difference! Regular medical appointments, a healthy diet and moments of self-care are essential steps towards a lighter, healthier life. Prioritize your health and live each phase with well-being and joy!
More and more women are gaining ground in leadership positions, but the path is still full of challenges. In order to have the same chances as men in the formal labor market, a woman needs to have, on average, 5 more years of formal education. And for black women, this difference can reach 11 years.
Despite this, there are many reasons to celebrate. A study by the Leadership Circle revealed that female leaders are more effective at all levels of management. In addition, companies with at least 30% women in leadership are 12 times more likely to be among the best financial performers, according to the NGO Conference Board.
n Brazil, there is still a lot to be done. Currently, Brazil ranks 70th in the global gender equality, with 71.6% of the gender gap closed. Fortunately, programs like Pro-Gender and Race Equality are helping to change this reality.
In its 7th edition, 103 companies have committed to promoting equality in the workplace.The companies that stand out the most will be recognized with the Pro-Gender and Race Equality Seal, a certification from the Federal Government.
More than just a business strategy, promoting gender equality is a fundamental step towards building fairer, more welcoming and productive working environments.
Small actions can generate big changes and make the future more equal for everyone.
The pressure to have the “ideal body” still affects many women, especially in sports, where there are aesthetic demands that don't always reflect reality. A global survey revealed that 46% of girls between the ages of 11 and 17 give up taking part in sports because they don't feel happy with their appearance. This shows how imposed standards can affect confidence and drive away promising talent.
The body positive tmovement has gained momentum and shown that all bodies are valid and worthy of respect. During the Olympics, for example, athletes from different sports have raised this flag, showing that sports are for everyone, regardless of their physical type.
Initiatives such as the Brazilian Olympic Committee's "Cada Uma É Uma" (Each One is Unique) project are helping to create a more welcoming and positive environment for women. The idea is to support each one in their individuality, promoting physical and mental health in an integrated way, so that everyone feels confident and prepared to face challenges, both inside and outside of sport.
With more information and support, women can learn to value who they really are, reject unattainable standards and focus on what really matters: health, happiness and self-confidence.
This Women's Month, we celebrate our role and continue to strive for new achievements.
Technical Manager:
Dr. Claudio Albuquerque
Medical Director of MDS Brazil
CRM (Regional Medical Council) 188683
References:
Accessed in: Jan 2024
