Picture: Supplied
Women’s Month is often a celebration of resilience and achievement, but for Dr Shaheena Flear, it’s also a reminder that many South African women are still fighting for something fundamental: access to accurate health information and the confidence to advocate for themselves.
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The 27-year-old medical doctor, founder of the Ruby Relief Project and Miss South Africa International 2026, believes empowering women starts long before they enter a doctor’s consulting room.
“Every woman deserves to understand her body, to have her concerns taken seriously and to access the care she needs without shame or stigma,” she tells BONA.
A purpose bigger than the crown
Born and raised in Johannesburg, Shaheena grew up in a close-knit family where compassion, service and leadership were everyday values. As the eldest of four siblings, she says responsibility came naturally, while her education at Brescia House School, whose motto is Serviam (“I will serve”), strengthened her commitment to helping others.
That passion eventually led her to study medicine at the University of the Witwatersrand, where she developed a particular interest in women’s health, preventative medicine and health education.
Today, she balances life as a practising doctor with her responsibilities as Miss South Africa International 2026, using both roles to champion issues affecting women.
“Medicine and pageantry are two sides of the same coin. One allows me to care for people as a doctor, while the other has given me a platform to advocate for women’s health and inspire others to believe in their own potential.”
Turning difficult experiences into action
Working in a tertiary hospital exposed Shaheena to a worrying trend. Many women delayed seeking medical help because they believed severe period pain, heavy bleeding or other symptoms were simply part of being a woman.
By the time they reached specialist care, some conditions had become far more serious.
“One of the greatest gaps in healthcare is not always access to treatment—it’s access to accurate information,” she explains.
Those experiences inspired the Ruby Relief Project, an initiative focused on improving women’s health literacy while tackling another major challenge: period poverty.
Alongside educational workshops, the project distributes menstrual products to girls and women who struggle to afford them.
The doctor shared with BONA: “Education and access must go hand in hand. Providing sanitary products addresses an immediate need, while empowering women with knowledge creates lasting change.”
Breaking the silence around women’s health
For the beauty queen, Women’s Month is also about encouraging more open conversations.
She says topics such as menstruation, reproductive health and contraception are still considered taboo in many communities, preventing women and girls from asking questions or seeking help early.
Instead of lecturing communities, she believes lasting change starts with listening.
“Meaningful change cannot happen by simply telling communities what they need. It starts with listening.”
She adds that building trust through empathy and respectful conversations helps women feel safe enough to discuss concerns they may have kept hidden for years.
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Why schools have a bigger role to play
Shaheena believes South Africa can do more to prepare young people with practical health knowledge.
She would like to see comprehensive women’s health education become a compulsory part of the Life Orientation curriculum, covering topics beyond basic reproduction.
That includes menstrual health, consent, contraception, fertility, conditions such as endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), cervical cancer screening and menopause.
She also believes information should be culturally sensitive and available in languages spoken in different communities, making it easier for young people to understand and relate to.
Representing South African women on the world stage
Although pageantry may seem worlds apart from medicine, Shaheena says both platforms are driven by the same purpose: serving others.
Representing South Africa internationally was an opportunity to showcase the resilience, compassion and strength of South African women while highlighting important conversations around health and dignity.
“This title is about far more than wearing a crown or a sash. It is an opportunity to showcase the strength and potential of South African women while shining a light on the issues that matter most to us.”
She also hopes her journey proves that women do not have to limit themselves to one path.
“You never have to choose between your passions. Be courageous enough to write your own story.”
Women’s Month message for every South African woman
As South Africa celebrates Women’s Day and reflects throughout Women’s Month, Shaheena hopes women will remember that caring for themselves is not selfish—it is essential.
She encourages women to prioritise their health, ask questions without fear and never dismiss symptoms simply because they have been told they are “normal.”
For young girls especially, she has one message.
“Your dreams are valid, your voice matters, and your potential is limitless. Never let your circumstances or the opinions of others determine what you believe you are capable of achieving.”
For Shaheena, empowering women isn’t only about celebrating success stories during Women’s Month. It’s about ensuring every woman has the knowledge, resources and confidence to take charge of her health every day of the year.
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