Until 30 years ago, women were not included in research studies and when they were, the results were not analyzed based on that parameter.
It must be remembered that science is a social construct, therefore, influenced by a prevalent androcentrism which assumes that while studying men, women are also studied.
The University of Copenhagen, which conducted a study with nearly seven million women and men, revealed that women were diagnosed with nearly 700 diseases later. Its impact on women’s lives can be seen, for example, in the fact that they are diagnosed with diabetes or cancer 2.5 to 4.5 years later than men.
Men and women have different biology and different socializations that lead to the adoption of stereotypes and gender roles, which can lead to differences in health.
The studies highlight the importance of betting on a “science of difference” that takes into account “differential morbidity”.
There are many women who are initiating this change and they show us the proof of their results through their different studies and researches. This inter science must cover all aspects of our lives in both public health and occupational health.
Feminism has shown us that health means talking about interpersonal and work relationships, mental health, care, dependency, sexuality, education…, and it also means commitment to gender mainstreaming and public institutions.
This commemorative day of action for women’s health began as an assertion of sexual and reproductive rights, however, sex education remains an ongoing issue. 99% of maternal mortality occurs in developing countries, and most of these complications are preventable.
Romantic love and its consequences for women’s health are fueled by an ignorance of pleasure, our own bodies, the absence of models of healthy relationships… In some societies, that pleasure is even taken from us through forced marriage or clitoral ablation. , and every year some 47,000 women still die from unsafe abortions and about 5 million have serious life-threatening consequences.
Menstruation, if possible, a general ignorance associated with social and cultural connotations, particularly affects women with disabilities, where studies tell us that a quarter of these women do not choose the hygiene products of their choice, but Of the families that buy for them, about 80% stop their activities when they have their periods and 1 in 3 have never been to a gynecological consultation.
The rights of women with disabilities have been particularly limited and violated, even family planning has been imposed on them, however, fortunately, since 2020, in our country, a historic debt has been repaid to them but lack of a place where they can access the information and right to gynecological health.
Trans women have also seen their right to access and protection of health limited, and with it, their right to lead a full and dignified life. It is necessary to promote health based on information and various educational interventions that have a greater impact on the health and quality of life of trans women.
Primary care should be central to improving prevention, detection and health promotion. But for this we need to support its professionals with resources, training and empowerment that guide them to address gender bias, and with adequate working conditions that make this job offer attractive.
At FSS-CCOO, we work every day to ensure that public administration delivers on this commitment, which has implications for an equitable health system and a just society.
