October Health – 2025 Report

Female Demographic in South Africa

Leading cause: Economic insecurity (unemployment and poverty) for South African women.
Contributing factors: Safety concerns and gender-based violence (GBV), which often accompany economic hardship.
Workplace implication: Provide supportive policies and mental health resources (e.g., October’s digital group sessions, assessments, and content) to help address these stressors.

Safety, harassment, and gender-based violence concerns (including sexual harassment) in and around the workplace, affecting concentration, sleep, and overall mental well-being.
Financial stress from the gender pay gap and slower career progression (the motherhood penalty), impacting security and self-esteem.
Caregiving and work-life balance pressures (childcare, eldercare), leading to fatigue, burnout, and diminished work performance.
Reproductive health and maternity-related stress (pregnancy, fertility challenges, maternity leave, healthcare access) affecting job security and planning.
Intersectional discrimination (based on race, class, and other identities) that compounds stress and limits access to resources and advancement opportunities.

What's driving mental health stresses for the Female demographic in South African?

Understand the stresses and workplace challenges of your staff and provide them with the tools to protect their productivity and mental health.