October Health – 2025 Report

Female Demographic in India

Gender-based violence (domestic/intimate partner violence) is the leading population-level stressor for women in India, according to national surveys and research. Other major stressors include unequal gender norms, unpaid caregiving burdens, and financial insecurity.

In workplaces, prioritize safe reporting channels, confidential counseling, and flexible policies. October can support female employees with digital group sessions, assessments, and content focused on coping with these stressors.

How mental health affects the Female demographic differently

  • Domestic and caregiving burden: greater unpaid work and caregiving expectations create time pressure, fatigue, and sleep disruption, impacting concentration and work performance.

  • Safety, harassment, and gender-based violence: higher risk of harassment in public or at work and concerns about safety can elevate anxiety, hypervigilance, and sleep problems.

  • Reproductive health and healthcare access: menstrual symptoms, pregnancy, postpartum recovery, contraception decisions, and related leave pressures contribute to stress and job insecurity.

  • Workplace discrimination and career progression barriers: wage gaps, biased evaluations, limited flexible options, and pregnancy/maternity discrimination can hinder advancement and increase stress.

  • Societal expectations and emotional labor: pressure to conform to traditional roles, managing the “mental load” of family coordination, and stigma around mental health can lead to burnout and reduced personal well-being.

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.