Promoting Gender equality in access to healthcare
Introduction to the Committee
The United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) is the intergovernmental body exclusively dedicated to the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of women, established by the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) in 1946. Their primary objectives consist of setting international standards and acting as an informed intermediary within other meetings.
Introduction to the Topic
When approaching the vast topic of Global Health, it is crucial to shine a light on the role gender plays in access to healthcare. From the start, women face a variety of issues, both medical and societal. Gender equality in access to healthcare is a critical aspect of promoting overall well-being and development. Ensuring equal access to healthcare services for all genders is not only a matter of fundamental human rights but also contributes significantly to achieving broader societal goals, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Reproductive Health
One of the key factors which play a role in gender disparities is access to reproductive health. WHO estimates that an average of 800 women lose their lives due to preventable causes linked to pregnancy and childbirth. Much of this comes down simply to poor sanitary conditions, however, there is a vast web of more nuanced issues left to factor in.
One of the cornerstones of reproductive health is access to family planning services. Gender disparities in family planning often result from various factors, including cultural norms, limited educational opportunities, and economic constraints. In many societies, deeply ingrained cultural norms dictate women's reproductive roles and limit their autonomy in decision-making regarding family planning. Religious and Inter-generational pressure often prevents women from accessing family planning, resulting in large numbers of unwanted pregnancies, predominantly in younger women who already face increased risk. Additionally, these cultural norms significantly hinder the widespread implementation of sexual education in schools or community centres, perpetuating misconceptions and reinforcing harmful stereotypes surrounding reproductive health and sexuality.
Improving the quality of reproductive health means introducing comprehensive sexual education not just in regards to biological aspects, but programs which encompass a wide range of topics, including consent, communication skills, and healthy relationship dynamics, to promote breaking down harmful stereotypes and gender norms. Breaking down the stigmas surrounding contraceptives can play a crucial role in combatting maternal mortality rates, as well as empowering women within their communities. Empowering women with access to information, resources, and support is essential for promoting reproductive health and rights, ultimately contributing to the well-being and empowerment of individuals and communities worldwide.
Remote and rural access
The geographical aspect plays a pivotal role in the pursuit of gender equality in healthcare. Remote and rural areas often face unique challenges that amplify gender disparities in accessing healthcare services. Addressing these challenges is crucial for ensuring that individuals of all genders, regardless of their location, have equitable opportunities to benefit from healthcare resources. Although it may seem like travel distance would affect everyone equally regardless of gender, in actuality, the burden of travel disproportionately affects women. Especially in rural areas with less progressive gender norms, women are expected to fulfil their duties as family caregivers, while simultaneously being forced to do a majority of the household chores. Due to these societal pressures, it can often be unacceptable for women to avoid these tasks in order to receive the vital preventative care they require. Additionally, these gender norms lead to economic dependence, meaning that women often lack the financial means to seek medical attention. A secondary factor to take into account is the added risk of gender-based violence when travelling alone. Especially in rural areas, where limited privacy and lack of resources prevent women from reporting crimes to the proper authorities.
Studies find that one-third of women receive prenatal care in rural areas, as opposed to half of all women in urban areas. This stark contrast underscores the impact of geographical barriers on women's access to essential reproductive healthcare services. Efforts to bridge the healthcare gap in remote and rural areas must recognize the specific challenges faced by women, including the interplay of gender roles, economic limitations, safety concerns, and cultural expectations. Tailoring interventions to address these complexities is vital for creating healthcare systems that are not only geographically accessible but also responsive to the unique needs of women in these communities.
Policies and international commitments
From an international perspective, the importance of promoting gender equality cannot be understated. Achieving gender equality is not only a matter of justice and human rights but also crucial for advancing global health and development. Beyond health outcomes, improving global healthcare contributes to economic and social development by essentially increasing the available workforce while simultaneously reducing global healthcare costs by preventing costly health complications. Moreover, investing in women's health and well-being leads to healthier families and communities, creating a positive ripple effect on social and economic development.
Additionally, improving access to healthcare helps work towards international goals and agreements such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to health, gender equality and the reduction of poverty. It reduces overall health disparities, empowers individuals by enhancing their agency and decision-making power, and enhances global peace and security. Access to healthcare services, including reproductive health services, can prevent conflict and instability by addressing root causes of social unrest, such as poverty, inequality, and lack of access to basic services.
In terms of already conceived international commitments, the most innovative and progressive was the Beijing Declaration adopted in 1995.This declaration stands out for its comprehensive approach, recognizing women’s rights as fundamental human rights intricately linked to broader social, economic, and political contexts.
One of the notable aspects of the Beijing Declaration is its recognition of the role of media and communication in perpetuating harmful gender stereotypes. It explicitly condemned damaging portrayals that reinforce traditional gender norms and called for greater diversity and representation, particularly of women, in decision-making positions within the communications sector.
Despite being over 20 years old, the Beijing declaration stands out as a monument in its approach. By aiming to tackle the root causes of gender disparities worldwide, it serves as a guiding document for ongoing advocacy and action towards a more equitable and inclusive world.
Important questions to tackle
It is important to remember that this topic isn’t simply about improving healthcare access. It’s about singling out the reasons for gender disparities and how to address them. Because of this, resolutions should attempt to examine the causes behind the disparities, and not simply try to push them back. While doing research, try to find out what contributes towards your culture’s view on healthcare and women, as well as any unique obstacles women face while trying to access healthcare.
Interesting country suggestions
Afghanistan
Senegal
India
Japan
Pakistan
Russian Federation
Brazil
Switzerland
Turkey
