Your Life. Your Health. Your Power.
A Women’s Day message from the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness
This Women’s Day, the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness celebrates the strength, resilience, and potential of every woman in our province, with a special focus on empowering the young women who will shape tomorrow.
From navigating adolescence to managing adult responsibilities, women face unique challenges. Our message is simple. You matter. Your health matters. And you deserve access to care that supports your journey at every stage. We understand you have many responsibilities, but your own health and wellbeing remains a crucial factor.
Start strong with prevention
One of the most powerful tools to protect women’s health is the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, offered free to Grade 5 girls across the province. This safe and effective vaccine helps prevent cervical cancer and forms part of our commitment to giving girls a strong start. Since the introduction of the school-based HPV vaccination programme in 2014, we have successfully administered over 350 000 vaccines, reaching nearly 1200 schools annually in the Western Cape.
We encourage families to support their daughters by returning school consent forms and asking questions. Healthcare workers are available to provide information and reassurance. A single decision today can protect your child’s health for years to come.
Mental wellbeing is just as important
Many young women face emotional pressures, trauma, anxiety, or isolation. You are not alone. Mental health support is available at clinics, youth wellness hubs, and through outreach services.
Young women often struggle with issues about their physical health, identity, body image, friends, often worsened by excessive use of social media. If ignored, the mental wellbeing of young women can impact their health negatively, leading to possible neglect of their physical health and education.
While all our clinics can provide mental health support, extra resources are also available from specialist organisations.
Remember, you can also speak to a trusted adult such as a teacher, school nurse, social worker, or community health worker. Reaching out for support is a sign of courage. No concern is too small.
Support throughout your life
Whether you are a teenager learning about reproductive health, a young adult navigating relationships and choices, or a mother balancing work and family, we are building a healthcare system that listens and responds.
We are expanding access to:
- Health and wellness services through mobile services and wellness hubs – ensuring easier access closer to communities
- Counselling and mental health care
- Contraception, and menstrual health support
- Antenatal and postnatal services
- Safe spaces to ask questions and seek help.
Our focus is on respectful, youth-friendly, and community-based services. No matter where you live or how old you are, your wellbeing is our priority. We support you. We believe in your future.
We are also fully committed to patient confidentiality and through our Youth Zones we particularly try to create a youth-friendly atmosphere, where teens feel empowered to access our services. Often busy clinics are not ideal environments due to the stigma associated with youth reproductive services, and the pressure of dealing with a wide range of conditions.
If you are on treatment for a chronic condition, staying on track with your medication is one of the most important ways to protect your future. Collect your medication, ask questions, and stay connected to care. We are here to help you stay well.
This Women’s Day, take the first step. Take control of your health. The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness is here to help you stay on track with your life and future.
Your health is your power - claim it.