GENDER AND HEALTH:The Significance of Women’s Health

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Gender Issues In Psychology (PSY - 512)

Lesson 30

GENDER AND HEALTH

Health is the other name of well being. It is a state in which a person enjoys well-being not just in the physical

sense but also psychologically and socially. "Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being

and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity" (WHO, 1946).Health is another major issue widely

researched, debated, discussed and pondered upon by not just health researchers but also those striving for the

attainment of gender equality. Health or a state of complete well-being is one of the basic human rights; in

other words it is the right to enjoy a worthwhile existence. All humans deserve perfect health, access to health

facilities, prevention of disease, and provision of healthcare when required. But do all human beings have these

rights?

No!!

People belonging to different parts of the world have different amounts, levels and degrees of these rights and

facilities. Some countries are highly privileged in terms of health care and health status, whereas some are

extremely under privileged. The same applies to the case of women. The health-related needs, health status,

health care facilities and access to these all reflect gender differences.

The Significance of Women's Health

Although the health and well-being of both gender is important, females' health needs to be given more

attention because of various reasons:

The responsibility of reproduction:

_ Females give birth to children

_ An expecting mothers' needs to be taken good care of in order to ensure a problem-free

pregnancy, good health status of the fetus, and a safe delivery.

_ In case of young unmarried females, their body needs proper care and nourishment in order to be

strong enough and ready for the reproductive responsibility that they have to carry in future.

_ Besides childbirth, many other health conditions and problems are unique to women;

menstruation, menopause, infertility, post partum depression, birth control, surgeries, abortions

etc.

Risk of Disease

Research evidence shows that females are at a high risk of certain diseases that are preventable or treatable if

diagnosed at an early stage e.g. certain cancers or HIV/AIDS. Proper health care and screening facilities can

help preventing many health conditions.

ii.

Females' Domestic Responsibilities

It is usually the female who takes care of the household and is responsible for the care and upbringing of the

children. Only a woman with good health status can fulfill these responsibilities. Besides, women involved in

dual responsibilities, i.e., household profession, are usually over burdened and more prone to stress-related

disorders.

iii.

Stereotypical Beliefs about women's health

In many cultures, females' health is not considered as important as men's health. This becomes an even serious

problem when it concerns the dietary habits and poor nutrition provide to the girl child. In case of disease,

women usually postpone consulting a doctor.

Gender and Health: Some facts

Life expectancy of women is generally higher than that of men. In most parts of the world, the expected life

span of an average woman is a few years longer than that of a male (WHO, 2004). Throughout life, women

have lower death rates (Hoyert et. al., 1999). But over the past few decades the gender gap in longevity has not

been a broad as it use to be. One of the major reasons for this shrinking gap is the increase of women's

indulgence in many health-compromising behaviors. Between 1979 and 1986, there was a significant increase in

the rate of lung cancer in women. During this period the rate of death by lung cancer rose by 44 % in females,

Gender Issues In Psychology (PSY - 512)

and only 7% in males. In U.S the leading cause of death resulting from cancer is lung cancer, and not breast

cancer as generally believed (Rodin and Ickovics, 1990). The women who smoke as well as using contraceptive

pills are at a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke. The risk of acquiring HIV is also higher in women

than in men (Rodin and Ickovics, 1990). The gender gap in longevity is present in most countries, though not

of uniform size. The gap is wider in the developed countries than in the underdeveloped countries. The size of

gender gap in longevity in some developed countries;

Poland

8 years

France

8 years

Spain

7 years

Finland 7 years

Austria 6 years

U.S.A

6 years

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