October Health – 2025 Report

Female Demographic in South Africa

The leading cause of stress for females in South Africa is often linked to economic factors, primarily financial insecurity and unemployment. Additionally, gender-based violence and the burden of caregiving responsibilities significantly contribute to stress levels among women. In the workplace, women may also face stress from gender discrimination and work-life balance challenges. Providing supportive workplace mental health resources, such as digital group sessions through platforms like October, can help address these stressors effectively.

How mental health affects the Female demographic differently

  • Workplace Discrimination and Bias: Women in South Africa may face gender-based discrimination, unequal pay, and limited career advancement opportunities, leading to chronic stress.
  • Balancing Work and Family Responsibilities: Cultural expectations often place a larger burden on women for caregiving and household duties, increasing role strain and burnout.
  • Gender-Based Violence: Higher prevalence of gender-based violence and harassment can cause trauma, anxiety, and impact workplace performance and safety.
  • Societal Pressure and Stereotypes: Pressure to conform to traditional gender roles can limit personal and professional expression, affecting mental well-being.
  • Access to Mental Health Resources: Women may encounter barriers to accessing mental health support due to stigmatization or lack of tailored services.

For workplaces, offering digital group sessions with October focused on coping with gender-specific workplace stress can empower female employees and build organizational support.

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.