October Health – 2025 Report

Female Demographic in Kenya

In Kenya, leading causes of stress for women include:

  1. Economic Challenges: Financial insecurity, unemployment, and the burden of providing for families often cause significant stress for women, particularly in lower-income households. Women are more likely to be engaged in informal and underpaid sectors.

  2. Gender-based Violence: High prevalence of gender-based violence (GBV), including domestic violence, is a major contributor to stress for women. This is compounded by societal stigma and limited access to support systems.

  3. Cultural Expectations and Gender Roles: Traditional roles that expect women to assume caregiving and household responsibilities, often while working outside the home, can lead to stress due to the overwhelming workload.

  4. Access to Healthcare and Education: Limited access to quality healthcare and education, particularly in rural areas, places immense pressure on women as they navigate these systems to meet their needs and those of their families.

  5. Workplace Discrimination and Inequality: In professional environments, women face challenges like discriminatory hiring practices, unequal pay, limited leadership opportunities, and sexual harassment, contributing to stress.

Encouraging workplaces in Kenya to adopt tools like October's services could provide women with access to mental health support, easing some of these stressors in work environments.

← back to the Report

How mental health affects the Female demographic differently 

 Stresses That May Affect Females More Than Other Genders
1. **Workplace Gender Inequality**
   - Discrimination and lack of equal opportunities.
   - The gender pay gap.
   - Challenges in being promoted to leadership roles (e.g., the glass ceiling).

2. **Double Burden Syndrome**
   - Balancing professional responsibilities with caregiving and household duties.
   - Societal expectation to manage home and family life, often without equal support.

3. **Body Image Pressures**
   - Increased societal and media focus on appearance and beauty standards.
   - Pressures to conform to certain beauty ideals.

4. **Gender-Based Violence**
   - Higher exposure to harassment, assault, and violence, including in the workplace.
   - Fear and safety concerns in public spaces.

5. **Reproductive and Biological Stressors**
   - Menstrual health-related stresses, including societal stigma around menstruation.
   - Stress during pregnancy, infertility, or postpartum periods.
   - Menopause-related challenges.

6. **Cultural and Societal Expectations**
   - Pressure to adhere to traditional gender roles.
   - Judgment or criticism for not fulfilling societal expectations, such as motherhood or marriage.

7. **Mental Health Stigma**
   - Greater likelihood of being stereotyped as "too emotional" or "overly sensitive."
   - Stigma around actively addressing mental health issues.

 Workplace Application
- Organizations can create safe and supportive environments by offering access to mental health resources like October's group sessions or counseling services. Promoting gender equality and addressing unique stressors through workplace policies is imperative.

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.

October for Businesses