Feminism and Mental Health: Why Advocacy Matters

International Women’s Day is a time to celebrate progress toward gender equality while recognizing the challenges that still exist. Women face unique pressures and struggles that affect their mental health, from workplace discrimination to unrealistic societal expectations. Feminism and mental health are closely connected because systemic inequalities and gender roles shape women’s emotional well-being. Understanding these issues helps us work toward real change and create a world where women’s mental health is supported and valued.

The Mental Health Toll of Gender Inequality Women’s mental health is affected by barriers that create stress and emotional challenges. Here are some key factors:

• Workplace Discrimination & the Pay Gap: Women often earn less than men, face discrimination at work, and have fewer opportunities for promotion. A 2017 survey revealed that 42% of women and 53% of Black women reported experiencing sex discrimination in the workplace, such as earning less than their male counterparts or being perceived as less competent due to their gender (Pew Research Center). These challenges can lead to self-doubt, stress, and burnout, impacting mental health (Blau & Kahn, 2017; Lips, 2013).

• Gender-Based Violence & Trauma: Gender-based violence (GBV) refers to violence directed at someone because of their gender, disproportionately affecting women and girls. It includes physical, sexual, psychological, and economic harm or suffering, often resulting from acts of violence such as domestic violence. Many women experience domestic violence, sexual harassment, and other forms of abuse. According to estimates from the World Health Organization, around 1 in 3 women globally—about 30%—have experienced physical or sexual violence from an intimate partner or non-partner during their lifetime (WHO, 2024). The majority of this violence occurs within intimate relationships. In fact, nearly one-third (27%) of women aged 15-49 who have been in a relationship report experiencing some form of physical or sexual violence from their partner (WHO, 2024). These experiences can lead to PTSD, anxiety, and depression (Campbell, 2002; Rees et al., 2011).

• Unrealistic Beauty & Social Expectations: Women are often expected to succeed in their careers, take care of their families, and look a certain way. This pressure can cause anxiety, low self-esteem, and emotional exhaustion (Fredrickson & Roberts, 1997; Murnen & Smolak, 2019). It can also lead to self-objectification, where individuals internalize others' objectifying gaze and start viewing their own bodies from an outsider's perspective. This can result in self-surveillance, body shame, and increased concerns about body image and eating behaviors. (Moradi & Huang, 2008). Studies have found a strong link between body image dissatisfaction and symptoms of depression, particularly in young women (Flores-Cornejo et. al, 2017; Soares Filho et. al, 2020).

How Feminism Supports Mental Health Feminism helps women’s mental health by pushing for fairness and validating their experiences:

• Recognizing Women’s Struggles: Feminism helps women understand that their challenges are not personal failures but the result of larger societal issues. This understanding can make them feel less alone and more empowered. Instead of placing the blame squarely on women for their struggles, a feminist perspective recognizes the broader historical and systemic factors that contribute to the challenges women encounter in society today, including economic disparities, a lack of equal access to education and opportunities, and gender-based violence. Awareness of the larger factors at play can help women feel solidarity with one another for their collective experience and inspire advocacy for change.

• Fighting for Better Mental Health Resources: Feminism advocates for policies that improve access to mental health care, better workplace protections, and stronger legal support for women (WHO, 2021; Krieger, 2020). One important piece of federal legislation that protects women is the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). Passed in 1994, VAWA is aimed at addressing and preventing domestic violence, sexual assault, and other forms of gender-based violence. It provides funding for victim services like shelters, counseling, and legal support, and improves law enforcement responses to these crimes. Lastly, VAWA includes protections for vulnerable groups, including Native American women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and immigrant survivors (National Domestic Violence Hotline, n.d.).

• Encouraging Self-Care & Boundaries: Feminism teaches women that it’s okay to say no, set boundaries, and prioritize their well-being without feeling guilty. While society often markets self-care for women as a focus on beauty and physical appearance, feminism challenges this narrow view and encourages women to care for themselves mentally, emotionally, and spiritually too. This can look like journaling, going for walks, finding ways to move their bodies that feel joyful, taking time to rest, or pursuing hobbies. By promoting autonomy, feminism empowers women to set boundaries, helping them to be heard, respected, and in control of their lives and decisions, without the pressure to meet society’s expectations.

How to Support Women’s Mental Health We can all play a role in making mental health support more accessible for women. Here’s how:

• Speak up about the lack of mental health resources and support for women.

  • Many women face significant barriers to accessing the mental health support they need, including financial barriers, limited availability of mental health resources within their communities, and time pressures. These challenges are often compounded by the multiple roles women juggle as they try to meet the needs of themselves, their families, and their careers. Supporting policies and services at both the broader societal level and within your local community is an effective way to advocate for women to receive essential mental health support.

• Support organizations that provide mental health services and advocate for women’s rights.

  • Look into organizations that advocate for women's rights, both within your local community and on a national or global scale. There are numerous meaningful ways to support these vital organizations, whether through donations, volunteering your time, or raising awareness through word-of-mouth or social media.

• Challenge unfair expectations that pressure women to put others’ needs before their own.

  • Traditional gender roles unfairly pressure women into self-sacrifice within relationships, often expecting them to manage the emotional needs of everyone around them. It's important to challenge this notion and encourage women to prioritize their own emotional and physical well-being.

Conclusion

Feminism and mental health advocacy go hand in hand. By recognizing the challenges women face and pushing for change, we can create a more supportive world. Taking care of mental health, setting boundaries, and standing up for fairness are all powerful acts of resistance. This International Women’s Day—and every day—let’s commit to making mental health a priority for all women.

References

Blau, F. D., & Kahn, L. M. (2017). The gender wage gap: Extent, trends, and explanations. Journal of Economic Literature, 55(3), 789-865.

Campbell, J. C. (2002). Health consequences of intimate partner violence. The Lancet, 359(9314), 1331-1336. https://doi-org.ezproxy.ollusa.edu/10.1016/S0140-6736(02)08336-8

Flores-Cornejo, F., Kamego-Tome, M., Zapata-Pachas, M. A. & Alvarado, G. F. (2017). Association between body image dissatisfaction and depressive symptoms in adolescents. Brazilian Journal of Psychiatry, 39(4), 316–322. https://doi.org/10.1590/1516-4446-2016-1947

Fredrickson, B. L., & Roberts, T.-A. (1997). Objectification theory: Toward understanding women’s lived experiences and mental health risks. Psychology of Women Quarterly, 21(2), 173-206. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1471-6402.1997.tb00108.x

Grabe, S., Ward, L. M., & Hyde, J. S. (2008). The role of the media in body image concerns among women: A meta-analysis of experimental and correlational studies. Psychological Bulletin, 134(3), 460–476. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.134.3.460

Krieger, N. (2020). Measures of racism, sexism, heterosexism, and gender binarism for health equity research: From structural injustice to embodied harm—An ecosocial analysis. Annual Review of Public Health, 41, 37–62. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-publhealth-040119-094017

Lips, H. M. (2013). The gender pay gap: Challenging the rationalizations. Perceived equity, discrimination, and the limits of human capital models. Sex Roles, 68(3-4), 169–185. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11199-012-0165-z

Moradi, B., & Huang, Y.-P. (2008). Objectification theory and psychology of women: A decade of advances and future directions. Psychology of Women Quarterly, 32(4), 377–398. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1471-6402.2008.00452.x

National Domestic Violence Hotline. (n.d.). Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). The Hotline. Retrieved February 27, 2025, from https://www.thehotline.org/resources/violence-against-women-act-vawa/

Pew Research Center. (2017, December 14). Gender discrimination comes in many forms for today’s working women. Pew Research Center. Retrieved from https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2017/12/14/gender-discrimination-comes-in-many-forms-for-todays-working-women/

Rees, S., Silove, D., Chey, T., Ivancic, L., Steel, Z., Creamer, M., Teesson, M., Bryant, R., McFarlane, A. C., Mills, K. L., Slade, T., Carragher, N., O'Donnell, M., & Forbes, D. (2011). Lifetime prevalence of gender-based violence in women and the relationship with mental disorders and psychosocial function. JAMA, 306(5), 513–521. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2011.1098

Soares Filho, L. C., Batista, R. F. L., Cardoso, V. C., Simões, V. M. F., Santos, A. M., Coelho, S. J. D. D. A. C., & Silva, A. A. M. (2020). Body image dissatisfaction and symptoms of depression disorder in adolescents. Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research, 54(1), e10397. https://doi.org/10.1590/1414-431X202010397

WHO (World Health Organization). (2021). Gender and mental health. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/gender-and-health

WHO (World Health Organization). (2024). Violence against women. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/violence-against-women