Women’s participation in society is a growing trend worldwide, with women now comprising approximately half of the total working population. However, absenteeism and poor performance due to health issues specific to women (pregnancy and childbirth, infertility treatment, menstrual complications, menopausal symptoms, gynecological cancer, etc.) is an international issue, with economic losses estimated to amount to approximately 3.4 trillion yen annually for society overall. Protecting the health of working women and pregnant women and supporting their performance not only contributes to individual well-being, but also to improving social and economic national strength, promoting innovation and addressing the declining birthrate and ageing society.

To protect the health of working women, besides social support at the workplace and in the surrounding community, it is important for women to take the initiative in understanding their own physical and mental condition and to manage their own health. My research aims to ensure that working women and pregnant women acquire correct knowledge about their health, practice appropriate self-management and achieve the work-life balance that they desire.