October Health – 2025 Report
Female Demographic in India
Leading population-level stressor for females in India: safety concerns due to gender-based violence and harassment (including domestic violence, street harassment, and sexual violence).
Other significant contributors: economic insecurity/financial stress and the burden of unpaid caregiving/household responsibilities.
Workplace implication: implement robust mental health support and harassment/safety policies; consider providing access to digital group sessions and resources (Panda) to support stress management, resilience, and safety resources.
How mental health affects the Female demographic differently
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Gender-based harassment and discrimination at work (including wage gaps and slower promotions)
- Coping: Document incidents, know HR policies, seek support from trusted managers, and advocate for transparent evaluation processes.
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Caregiving duties and work-life conflict (unpaid domestic labor, childcare, eldercare)
- Coping: Request flexible hours or remote options, clarify priorities with your manager, and leverage support networks where possible.
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Safety concerns in commuting and workplace environments
- Coping: Use formal safety policies, request secure transport or safety measures, and establish a reporting channel or buddy system.
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Economic disparities and career progression barriers
- Coping: Track project outcomes and pay/promo criteria, seek mentoring, pursue upskilling, and request fair, merit-based evaluations.
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Reproductive health needs and stigma (menstruation, pregnancy, lactation, menopause)
- Coping: Understand leave and accommodation policies, discuss flexible scheduling during cycles or pregnancy, and access appropriate facilities.
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Mental load and emotional labor (managing others’ emotions and household tasks)
- Coping: Set boundaries, delegate tasks, request clear role definitions, and distribute emotional labor more equitably.
Data from October Health
What's driving mental health stresses for the Female demographic in South African?
Proactive mental fitness for high performance staff.
Understand the stresses and workplace challenges of your staff and provide them with the tools to protect their productivity and mental health.