Health Rights and Women
March 8th International Women’s Day is celebrated worldwide as a day focusing on women’s rights and equality, commemorating their political, social, and economic achievements. The origin of International Women’s Day dates back to a tragic event in New York, where female workers went on strike demanding better working conditions, and subsequently, a fire broke out, claiming the lives of 120 female workers. This tragic incident sparked widespread outrage worldwide, leading Denmark, Germany, and the United States to consecutively recognize this day as a special day for women globally. The United Nations took a significant step on this important day by officially declaring March 8th as International Women’s Day on December 16th, 1977. On this special day, I believe it is important to draw attention to women’s right to health, specifically emphasizing access to sexual and reproductive health.
The right to health encompasses not only ‘physical well-being’ but also ‘mental and social welfare.’ Access to health services for women faces barriers stemming from gender norms. Particularly, women’s sexual and reproductive health entails much more than individual health status and holds critical importance for the overall health of society.
If we briefly discuss women’s reproductive health; it encompasses the prenatal, antenatal, delivery, and postpartum periods, being vital not only for a woman’s own health but also for the health of the unborn child and the community. Therefore, access to and awareness of women’s reproductive health are critical for the preservation of public health. Reproductive health is an issue that includes not only the processes surrounding pregnancy but also the preservation of their sexual health. Regular check-ups are essential for combating sexually transmitted infections. However, women not only face challenges in accessing healthcare services but also have to contend with various forms of violence. On a special day like March 8th, I would like to highlight the different types of violence women face. Violence against women can manifest in various forms including physical, psychological, sexual, digital, and economic abuse. These forms of violence can significantly impact women’s health and lead to fatal consequences. Therefore, raising awareness on women’s access to healthcare and protection against violence on International Women’s Day is important. Facilitating women’s access to healthcare services and developing effective policies to combat violence will contribute to the creation of a fairer and more equal society.
- Op.Dr.Merve Olgun
- Gynecologist and Obstetrician
