Comprehensive Notes on Gender and Health Issues
Fundamental Concepts of Gender and Health Issues
Gender and Health Issues refer to the specific differences in health risks, needs, and access to healthcare between men and women. These differences are primarily influenced by two factors: biological characteristics and societal gender roles. Men and women experience health differently because each gender has distinct health risks and needs. While certain diseases are more common in men, others are more prevalent in women. Biological factors, including hormones, genes, and body structure, significantly influence health outcomes and can increase the risk of specific diseases.
Societal expectations and gender roles further influence health behaviors, often dictating when or how individuals seek medical care. Achieving equal access to quality healthcare is a critical priority, as early checkups and prompt treatment are essential for preventing serious illnesses. Globally, there is a consistent gender gap in life expectancy where women generally live longer than men.
Gender-Specific Health Challenges and Social Determinants
Health issues affect men and women differently across various conditions. For men, common health concerns include cardiovascular disease, which is a group of diseases affecting the heart and blood vessels that make it difficult for the heart to pump blood properly. Men also face higher risks related to accidents (injuries from crashes, falls, or other incidents), suicide (death caused by intentionally ending one's own life), and substance abuse (the harmful use of alcohol or drugs). Conversely, women are more frequently affected by osteoporosis, characterized by weak and fragile bones, and arthritis, which involves swelling and pain in the joints. Women also experience higher rates of mental health conditions like depression and anxiety, as well as dementia, which involves memory loss and a decline in thinking ability.
Social determinants of health, such as income, education, work, environment, and healthcare systems, play a significant role in these outcomes. Gender roles directly influence access to care and health results. While women have higher rates of depression and anxiety, men exhibit higher rates of substance use and antisocial behavior. Access to resources remains a primary factor in how these health issues manifest and are treated.
The Nature and Manifestation of Gender Discrimination
Gender discrimination is defined as any action that excludes or disadvantages individuals based on their gender. This includes both deliberately unfair actions and unintentional policies that create disadvantages. Such discrimination has a significant impact on mental and physical health worldwide, often limiting access to healthcare, increasing rates of ill health, and lowering life expectancy. It is frequently rooted in sexism, which is prejudice based on sex or gender. In many cultures, sexism devalues women and femininity while privileging men and masculinity.
Discrimination manifests in various sectors of society. In the workplace, it involves deciding not to hire or promote someone, or paying them less, based on gender. In schools, it appears as the discouragement of girls and young women from participating in traditionally male-dominated fields such as science, math, and sports. Within relationships, it can involve preventing partners from working, managing money, or driving. In public spaces, sexual harassment and catcalling restrict how people use environments and make them feel unsafe. Furthermore, institutions like governments and healthcare systems may create policies that disadvantage certain groups based on gender.
Quantifiable Impacts of Discrimination on Mental and Physical Health
Research from 2022 indicates that women who reported experiencing gender discrimination in the previous 12 months scored significantly higher on depression screening tools. Discrimination is a key driver of the "gender gap" in mental illness rates. Women experience depression at a rate that is twice as prevalent as in men. Additionally, eating disorders are to times more prevalent in women. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other anxiety conditions are also highly reported among those facing discrimination or abuse.
Physical health is similarly impacted. Research from 2018 suggests that workplace discrimination is correlated with worse physical health. Chronic stress from any source, including discrimination, contributes to long-term health conditions. Discrimination often leads to worse living conditions, reducing a person's ability to afford fresh food, safe housing, and health insurance. In the United States, the gender pay gap means women are less compensated than men for the same job, directly impacting their ability to maintain health.
Violence is another direct physical impact of discrimination, exemplified by Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). FGM involves the partial or total removal of external female genitalia, typically performed on girls younger than years old under the belief it makes them pure or suitable for marriage. Victims of FGM may experience severe bleeding, infections, severe pain, long-term complications, and even death during the procedure.
Systemic Bias in Healthcare Delivery and the Global Economy
Gender discrimination reduces the speed, accuracy, and quality of medical treatment. One major issue is the dismissal of symptoms, where women's pain is more likely to be minimized or ignored, leaving patients without support. This bias leads to incorrect or delayed diagnoses. Furthermore, some providers may withhold care or delay access to medical services, limiting bodily autonomy. Obstetric violence—medical interventions during pregnancy or childbirth performed without consent, as well as verbal or physical abuse during delivery—is a significant concern.
On a global scale, the 2016 research found that institutional gender discrimination costs the global economy , which represents of the total global income. A 2017 report highlighted that gender inequality contributes to female unemployment and poverty, which negatively impacts child health and development. Sexism also harms men; the pressure to adhere to masculinity stereotypes often results in men not seeking medical help and can lead to involvement in violence.
Reimagining a Healthier Future and Gender Equity by 2045
The Generation Equality Forum held in Paris from June 30 to July 2, 2021, marked the 25th anniversary of the Beijing Platform for Action. Despite the 1995 milestone, no country has yet achieved full gender equality. Visionary goals for 2045 include drastic reductions in HIV and sexually transmissible infections, universal access to modern contraception, and full reproductive rights. The community aims for a significant decline in deaths from childbirth and a reduction in disabilities attributed to non-communicable diseases, mental health issues, and violence.
Realizing this vision requires valuing paid employment and unpaid care work equally. Currently, many women in informal sectors bear a disproportionate burden of unpaid care. Universal health coverage must explicitly include sexual and reproductive healthcare. Social protection policies should encompass childcare, paid parental leave, sick leave, family care leave, and old age pensions. Funding for these systems should be tax-based to benefit those in informal work. Special support is needed for individuals facing intersecting forms of discrimination based on age, ethnicity, migration status, sexual orientation, and gender identity.
Bodily Autonomy, Systemic Reform, and Leadership
Achieving bodily autonomy requires that women and girls have the power to make independent choices regarding their health. This necessity demands that all children, especially girls, complete secondary school and receive comprehensive sexuality education. Harmful gender norms, particularly those tied to masculinity, must be shifted through changes in individual attitudes and government policies. Health systems must be strengthened to protect the female-majority workforce, closing the gender pay gap and preventing harassment.
Medical research must address historical male bias by tracking sex differences in vaccines and drugs. Digital access, online privacy, and clean cooking fuels are also considered essential for women's well-being. Furthermore, commercial determinants of health must be tackled, including strict regulation of harmful substances to prevent industries from exploiting gender norms. While funding feminist movements is crucial, these programs currently receive only of overseas development assistance. Additionally, global institutions remain dominated by men from the global north, highlighting a need for diverse female leadership.
Workplace Violence Against Female Health Workers
Female health workers comprise a significant portion of the healthcare workforce but often face workplace violence due to gender power imbalances. This violence affects their safety, career growth, and the quality of care they provide. Data illustrates the scope of the problem: in the United States, of female health workers surveyed were affected by sexual harassment, often from senior male colleagues. In the Republic of Korea, of female medical staff experienced sexual violence, compared to only of men. In Rwanda, of health workers reported verbal abuse and reported threats. In Nepal, of health workers experienced workplace violence, with women affected in all categories.
Safety concerns are widespread; midwives in Bangladesh reported feeling unsafe traveling at night due to the risk of sexual assault. In Malawi and Ghana, young unmarried women worried about insecure living conditions. In Kenya, community health workers faced threats and rape while providing HIV services. During emergencies, health workers are targeted, such as during the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo or when polio vaccination workers were targeted in Pakistan. In Mexico, nurses faced violence after being blamed for spreading COVID-19.
These issues are underpinned by gender power relations in five areas:
- What is known: There is insufficient research and reporting on violence against female health workers.
- Who has what: Many lack access to reporting systems, legal protection, and safety equipment.
- Who does what: Fear of job loss prevents reporting.
- Who is valued: Women's contributions are frequently undervalued.
- Who decides: Leadership roles are limited for women, reinforcing the feeling that they are not of equal merit. Empowering female health workers through leadership and education is essential for change.
Questions & Discussion
Do you think gender discrimination is still a major health issue today? Discussion on the current prevalence of gender-based health disparities.
A student is repeatedly told that certain careers are only for boys. How might this affect the student's confidence, mental health, and future opportunities? Exploration of how early-life gender stereotypes impact long-term psychological and economic well-being.
Why do you think some health issues affect women and men differently? Examination of the interplay between biological factors and societal gender expectations.
A man works long hours, experiences constant stress, and never takes time to rest. How might this affect his physical and mental health? Analysis of masculinity norms and their impact on male health behaviors.
During childbirth, a doctor performs a medical procedure without first explaining it or asking for the mother's consent. What type of healthcare discrimination is shown? Identification of obstetric violence and the violation of bodily autonomy.
A community believes that women should stay at home instead of working. How could this belief affect women's lives and society? Discussion on the socio-economic and health consequences of restricted female movement and employment.
A patient experiences discrimination during a hospital visit because of their gender. How might this affect their willingness to seek healthcare in the future? Evaluation of how negative clinical experiences lead to medical distrust and delayed treatment.
Why does gender equality make it harder for women to get leadership positions? Analysis of institutional sexism and the systemic barriers that prevent women from attaining decision-making roles.