Women’s health is a topic that has been under the spotlight for a while now, still, women face discrimination in various ways. According to the World Health Organization, around 800 women die every day ONLY because of pregnancy and childbirth related issues.
Women experience discrimination in health from the beginning of their birth. These disparities are woven into the social and organizational structures. Hence, they suffer disparity from their childhood, teenage, and after marriage that continues till their death.
Women comprise half of the world’s population but still their health is not considered important for society. Yet they face gender inequality, lack of health facilities, biasness, and negligence in disease diagnosis. These practices put their health and well-being at high risk.
What is Women’s Health and Why is it Important?
It is important for ordinary people as well as for decision-makers to understand the definition of women’s health.
The health of women is often limited to sexual and reproductive issues. Which is true in a sense women do have sex specific conditions that include issues related to menstruation, menopause, cervix, and pregnancy, etc.
But women also have general health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, mental and physical health issues, etc. If ignored these issues may have severe health consequences.
Another problem that causes negligence of women’s health is the myth that women live longer than men. So they get less sick and require less medical care.
According to McKinsey’s report, “… a woman will spend an average of nine years in poor health, which affects her ability to be present and/or productive at home, in the workforce, and in the community and reduces her earning potential.”
This finding gives us an idea about how the health of a woman can have a ripple effect on, her family, community, and the economy.
The Importance of Women’s Health
Below are some points that give you an idea about the importance of women’s health.
1. Women are Foundation of Societies
Women are the cornerstone of communities, societies, and economies around the world. Whereas, their good health can have a positive impact on the economy.
Women’s health is a subject of inclusion with providing equal opportunities. Addressing the health gaps will not only improve the quality of life for women but it will create a positive ripple effect in the society.
States and societies that prioritize women’s health accelerate social and economic growth. It also provides a path to prosperity for future generations.
2. Women are the Primary Caregiver
Women are the primary caregivers in almost every society. They take care of their children, sick and elderly people. They are often too busy taking care of others that they focus little on their own health.
Stress, busy schedules, and unhealthy sleeping and eating patterns negatively impact their health. Additionally, if they get sick their children and family members are likely to suffer more in terms of health, nutrition, education, and finances.
These patterns show us that women’s poor health not only impact themselves but also their families and communities. Because of these ripple effects, women’s health is a serious public issue that should be on top priority for leaders and decision-makers.
3. Women’s Health and Labor Force
In many countries, women play an essential role in the workforce. In some countries, such as the U.S., women make up to nearly 60% of the workforce.
Despite the ratio of paid workforce women are the center point of unpaid household work. They are the backbone of families, communities, and societies. It is critically important to provide them with better healthcare facilities.
Also because women’s health and their share in the workforce is paramount for promoting social and economic prosperity.
4. Gender Gap in Medicine, Research and Equipment
It is sad that even in today’s world almost everything is designed and developed by keeping in mind the male body and their needs. To put it simply, men are considered the default size for the development of any medicine and medical equipment.
As men are the primary participants in clinical trials, hence most of the research, medicine, and medical equipment are tailored to the male body. Moreover, safety tests performed on vehicles are done on average male-size dummies.
The systemic underrepresentation of women has dangerous consequences on their health and well-being. This significant gap in the design and structure of healthcare and safety-related fields shows us how important it is to focus on women and their health because healthy women lead to healthy societies.
5. Women are More Prone to Diseases
Women are more vulnerable to certain types of cancers (such as breast and ovarian cancer), heart disease, depression, and anxiety. These diseases can seriously impact the quality of health and well-being of women.
Access to doctors and healthcare facilities can play an important role in diagnosing early stages of these diseases. Hence, regular checkups and visits to doctors are important and suggested for improved women’s health.
6. Physical Health
Certain physical disorders are more prevalent in women. These disorders are related to eating disorders, iron deficiency, and abnormal body weight.
Additionally, menstrual and reproductive issues are a significant focus of women’s wellness. In many societies, women do not have the courage and autonomy to openly discuss these issues with family members and doctors.
Therefore, they face severe consequences in their mental and physical well-being.
7. Domestic Violence and Women’s Health
Domestic violence is another major reason to give importance to women’s health. According to the World Health Organization, globally 30% of women have been subjected to either physical, psychological, or sexual violence in their life.
Women are subjected to experience physical, sexual, and psychological violence from their partners. This may include aggression, beating, harassment, rape, etc. Women who are victims of such violence may have serious physical injuries.
These injuries may lead to significant mental, sexual, and reproductive health issues. It also negatively affects the health and well-being of women and their children.
Women may suffer distress, and social isolation and are unable to work making them financially weak and vulnerable to take care of themselves and their children. To tackle this problem, decision-makers and the health sector should prioritize women’s health.