Dr Shingairai Chigeza, a senior lecturer in the Department of Psychology at the University of Pretoria, writes about the importance of enriching women’s relational well-being for broader societal impact.

In a world where the achievements of individuals often take centre stage, the relational well-being of women remains a vital yet frequently overlooked aspect of societal health. Relational well-being encompasses the quality of relationships, social connections and supportive environments that significantly affect women’s lives and, by extension, the families, workplaces and communities they are part of. Enhancing women’s relational well-being in families and workplaces can lead to broader societal and economic benefit.

For many women, family is the cornerstone of their well-being, holding immense importance across emotional, social, cultural and psychological dimensions. In various cultures, being part of a respected family enhances a woman's social standing, and provides a sense of pride and accomplishment. Additionally, family plays a crucial role in shaping a woman's identity and sense of belonging. Given the multifaceted importance of family, women often take on the responsibility of maintaining family cohesion and emotional health. Understanding what contributes to their relational well-being is therefore essential.

Women's relational well-being directly influences the quality of their family interactions, parenting styles and the emotional development of children. When women experience supportive and fulfilling relationships, they are better equipped to foster positive family dynamics. Emotionally supported women are more likely to create nurturing environments, positively affecting children's emotional and psychological development by fostering secure attachment styles and reducing behavioural problems at home and school. Furthermore, a woman's mental well-being is closely tied to her relational health. Strong, supportive relationships can act as buffers against stress and enable women to manage family responsibilities more effectively.

Due to cultural shifts and globalisation, women have the freedom to pursue their interests and careers, just as men do. Today, many women hold leadership roles in workplaces, extending their relational well-being beyond the home. Despite this progress, women often encounter challenges at work that affect their professional development, job satisfaction and overall well-being. These challenges include gender discrimination, sexual harassment, under-representation in leadership roles and limited access to networking opportunities, all of which can hinder their career advancement and visibility.

Among these challenges, a work-life balance is particularly significant, as women struggle to juggle work with personal and family life while being expected to perform on par with their male counterparts. To address these challenges, it is essential to promote women's relational well-being in the workplace. Women who experience positive relationships at work, including having supportive colleagues and mentors, tend to have higher job satisfaction and productivity. Healthy workplace relationships can reduce stress, enhance collaboration, and boost self-esteem and confidence. Fostering inclusive work environments where women feel valued and supported can contribute to a respectful workplace culture, reducing turnover rates and fostering a more cohesive and productive work environment.

To harness the benefits of women's relational well-being, it is vital to create and maintain supportive structures at multiple levels. This includes advocating for and implementing policies that promote a work-life balance, mental health support and equal opportunities for women across various organisations. Encouraging programmes that provide spaces for women to connect and support each other can improve their relational well-being. It is also recommended that workplaces create conducive environments and offer programmes that promote relational skills such as communication, conflict resolution and emotional intelligence. These skills are vital for building and maintaining healthy relationships.

The relational well-being of women is key to a healthy and thriving society. Supporting and enhancing their well-being can uplift families, workplaces and communities. It is imperative that families and organisations recognise and invest in women's relational well-being, as it strengthens individual lives and contributes to the collective resilience of our society. As Hillary Clinton aptly stated, “Women are the world’s greatest untapped resource.” With a supportive relational environment, women can truly make the world a better place for all.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in the article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the University of Pretoria.