We hope to activate women through “Her Actions for Good” to lead small to large actions that drive sustainability at home, in our communities, in our workplaces, through diversity, equity and inclusion across value chains, through the UN SDGs, innovation and designing for sustainability, as well as leadership development (for all women). Included below are opportunities for women to lead across various actions for good and for organizations to empower women in their CSR, ESG, and sustainability agendas. For women's health and well-being, this means:
Empowering HER and others in terms of physical and mental health and well-being at home and at work.
Advocating for better health benefits, policies and/or programs for HER including menstrual, menopausal, mental, cardiovascular health, as well as cancer prevention.
Engaging HER and others on sustainable living through dietary practices.
Advocating for healthier and plant-based options at work.
Engaging women on planetary health.
Exploring healthier personal and cleaning products at home and work.
Connecting more with nature at home and work.
Exploring connections to nature through workplace re-design.
Empowering Women in Health and Well-Being
It is important to see and holistically empower women. This begins by providing women with the needed knowledge and resources to take control of HER physical and mental well-being. Empowerment extends to both home and work environments, emphasizing the importance of balance for the whole woman.
Advocating for Comprehensive Health Benefits
Championing women's health involves advocating for comprehensive health benefits across the 360 Degrees of Health and chapters of her life. This includes support for mental health, menstrual, reproductive, maternal and menopausal health, hormonal health, chronic disease prevention and management as well as cancer prevention. By advocating for inclusive health policies and programs, organizations can design healthier and more supportive environments for women.
Promoting Sustainable Living Through Food Choices
The opportunity exists to build a mindset for sustainable living through food choices. This involves engaging employees on the health benefits of various food plates, being aware of the ingredients in food (with an increased trend toward the use of ingredients with low nutritional value in products with inflationary pressures), and viewing food as a journey toward physical, mental and social well-being within our families and communities.
Advocating for Healthier Food Options at Work
Additionally, providing healthier and plant-based (including culturally sensitive) options in workplaces, meetings, and at conferences can impact the choices made at home. These options signal the value that organizations place on employee health and well-being alongside corporate social responsibility-particularly as local farmers and solutions are sought to provide good food options.
Engaging Women on Planetary Health
Planetary health is directly connected to our personal health. Climate change, climate events, and pollution all directly and indirectly impact multiple aspects of our well-being. Women can play a vital role in advocating for eco-friendly practices at work-providing new leadership opportunities for women, and creating a positive impact on an organization's ESG and scope 3 emissions reduction efforts.
Choosing Healthier Personal and Cleaning Products
The products we use can have an impact on our immediate health and the capacity to prevent future diseases. Exploring and choosing healthier and cleaner personal care products both at home and in the workplace can reduce exposure (for both women, men and our environment) to harmful chemicals including endocrine disrupting chemicals.
Connecting with Nature at Home and Work
Studies indicate that nature can have a profound effect on our mental and emotional well-being. Given the time spent at work, organizations can encourage employees to connect with nature by leveraging biophilic design. Whether through green spaces, natural light, or other workplace re-design that incorporate elements of nature, these connections contribute to an environment that not only fosters the well-being of employees, but may be more inclusive of varied employee working needs.
Exploring Nature-Inspired Workplace Re-Design Supportive of Women
Workplace re-designs that draw inspiration from nature can have transformative effects on women's health. Creating spaces that prioritize natural light, incorporate plants, and offer opportunities for private relaxation, can enhance overall well-being-keeping in mind the personal, menstrual and menopausal health needs for women.
By empowering women in terms of physical and mental health, advocating for comprehensive health benefits, promoting sustainable living, and creating healthier environments at home and work, organizations can enable whole women to thrive.