“I see it every day,” says Dr Masima, a Johannesburg-based medical doctor and passionate advocate for women’s health. “Women suffering in silence. Women normalising pain. Women apologising for being unwell. Women who’ve been told to be strong for so long they forget they’re allowed to ask for help.”
On 28 May, the International Day of Action for Women’s Health, the world shines a spotlight on the unmet health needs of women and girls, particularly in the areas of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). In South Africa, this spotlight reveals a stark reality.
Despite our constitutional protections, millions of South African women still struggle to access basic healthcare like contraception, cancer screenings, mental health support and even maternal care. This year’s global call to action is clear: “Our voices, our actions, our demand: Uphold women’s health and rights now.”
Dr Masima, known by her patients as “Dr M”, has made it her mission to fight the silent battles women face every day – in clinics, hospitals, workplaces and homes.
“Sexual and reproductive health is not a luxury or an extra,” she says. “It’s a fundamental human right. And when women can’t access safe contraception, when abortions are delayed or denied, when menstrual pain is dismissed, when trauma goes untreated – we’re denying women their right to dignity, safety and choice.”
A system failing women
South Africa’s maternal mortality rate remains high. Access to quality mental healthcare is still out of reach for many. And the stigma around issues like infertility, postpartum depression and menopause continues to silence women in their most vulnerable moments.
“We need to talk about the whole woman,” says Dr M. “Not just reproductive health, but mental health, sexual agency, safety, hormonal health, trauma care, all of it. These are not separate issues. They’re deeply connected.”
In her work, Dr Masima sees the toll of delayed care. Women ignore symptoms because they’re too busy or too scared, or because they assume they can’t afford to see a doctor.
“There’s this tragic cycle,” she says. “A woman delays a check-up because she’s worried about cost. That delay leads to a serious diagnosis. Now she needs treatment that’s even more expensive and more emotionally taxing. Prevention isn’t just better than cure, for women, it can be lifesaving.”
Where medical aid must step up
This is where medical schemes can – and must – make a tangible difference, says Justine Lacy, Clinical Executive at Profmed.
“Women’s health journeys don’t begin and end with pregnancy,” says Lacy. “They span from adolescence to menopause and beyond, with different needs at every life stage. Medical aid cover must evolve to support that full spectrum, not just react to isolated health events.”
That means comprehensive cover for annual check-ups, contraception, HPV vaccines, fertility support, maternity care, mental health services, and menopause-related treatment. It also means ensuring women don’t have to jump through hoops to access benefits they already pay for.
“Too often, women delay seeking help because they’re unsure what’s covered or worry about co-payments. That uncertainty creates barriers to care, and we need to remove them.”
Lacy says Profmed is committed to improving both benefit design and the member experience to better reflect the lived realities of professional women. “Women are navigating their health while building careers, raising families, and often caring for others. As a scheme for professionals, we take that seriously,” she explains. “We’ve taken steps to expand access to mental health services, enhance maternity benefits, and support preventative care – but the work is ongoing.”
While Profmed has made strides, Lacy is clear-eyed about the broader industry’s responsibility.
“We have to listen, and I mean really listen, to what women are telling us,” urges Lacy. “About the gaps in care, the conditions that go undiagnosed, the moments they feel invisible. If we want to offer real support, we have to design benefits that reflect women’s real lives and not outdated assumptions.”
Healthcare as justice
This May 28 is more than a commemoration. It’s a call to persist despite women’s rights faces global rollbacks. “When women’s health is underfunded, ignored or politicised, it’s not just a healthcare issue. It’s a justice issue,” says Dr Masima. “And we can’t afford to stay silent anymore.”
From the consulting room to the boardroom, from public clinics to private schemes – Dr M and Lacy believe every sector must step up. Because when women are healthy, informed and supported, society doesn’t just survive – it thrives.
Dr Moratwe Masima
Medical Doctor and Profmed’s spokesperson
Justine Lacy
Clinical Executive at Profmed
