Women's Health Week

May 5th to 11th marks this year’s Women’s Health Week. Anchored by Mother’s Day, Women’s Health Week is an initiative designed to raise awareness and engagement about the lived experiences of women’s health. The week offers an opportunity to reflect, not just on women’s health, but on the systems, communities, and cultural attitudes that shape it.

True progress requires more than individual action, it demands a collective commitment from families, workplaces, and governments to support, uplift, and protect women’s health in every stage of life.

Health Disparities Facing Women in Canada

Despite advancements in healthcare, women in Canada continue to face significant barriers to health and wellbeing.

Gender-Biases in Healthcare

Women’s symptoms are often dismissed or misdiagnosed, especially for conditions like heart disease and autoimmune disorders. On the other hand, women are over-diagnosed with mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression, when they are actually experiencing chronic pain. However, these biases also extend beyond patients. Even in 2025, studies show that female-physicians are seen as less-competent than their male-counterparts despite exhibiting similar patient-centered behaviours.

Food Insecurity

Women – particularly racialized, low-income, or single mothers – are more likely to experience food insecurity. Even in two-parent households, mother’s have a tendency to participate in “maternal buffering,” in which mothers will skip meals or eat less so their children have enough to eat. This type of chronic food insecurity is linked to several health conditions, such as iron deficiency anemia, disordered eating, and high rates of depression.

How We Can Help

Programs like Calgary Meals on Wheels play a vital role in reducing food insecurity and supporting women’s health – especially for older adults, women with disabilities, newcomers, and those recovering from illness. Nutritious and affordable meals can reduce the stress and barriers of grocery shopping and cooking, particularly for women with mobility or income challenges. The human connection that comes with meal delivery provides emotional support and reduces isolation, an often overlooked but critical part of overall health.

Everyday Actions

Small actions add up. If every person commits to showing compassion, awareness, and action, we can create communities where women are supported and nourished, not just during Women’s Health Week, but every day.