The Truth About Women s' Health

By WOMEN OF TRUTH Kelly Shovlin Intern and Ambassadress

Due to the grave situation of womens' health, we at Yinalithea Women of Truth are moved to present a deeper conversation about various contributing factors. For over two decades, in spite of many countries having signed pledges in the 1995 Beijing Declaration and Platform of Action for the promotion and protection of women’s rights, women s' health and their mental health concerns issues are on the increase.

As we all push through the pandemic of Covid-19, it has been exceptionally evident that women’s health has been greatly affected. Herein, I summarise an article written and published by Dr Flavia Bustreo, Assistant Director General for Family, Women’s and Children’s Health through the Life-course by the World Health Organisation (WHO) regarding the top ten issues impacting women’s health:

1. Cancer: Breast and cervical cancer – the cancers women are most prone to. Early detection is vital in ultimately keeping women alive. Global figures currently show that approximately half a million women die from cervical cancer and half a million from breast cancer per year. Many of these deaths are prominent in low and middle-income countries in which screening, prevention and treatment are strife. It is also the countries in which vaccination against the human papillomavirus (HPV) is needed most.

2. Reproductive health: Being taught about this at a young age will help to reduce the sexual and reproductive health problems that may occur. These issues affect women between the ages of 15 and 44 and are responsible for one third of health issues. Unsafe sex is a major risk factor anywhere in the world. However, women and girls (specifically in developing countries) need to be educated on this. Statistics show that 222 million women are unable to receive the contraceptive services they need due to being uninformed of such services and options.

3. Maternal health: Great benefits have been introduced regarding care during pregnancy and childbirth. Sadly, these benefits do not extend worldwide. About 300 000 women died in 2013 due to complications during pregnancy and childbirth, most of which could have been prevented had access to basic services and efficient family planning been implemented.

4. Mental health: Women are more likely than men to experience mental health issues as evidence shows – ranging from anxiety, depression and physical symptoms that are medically inexplicable. Depression is deemed as the most common mental health issue for women. Suicide is the leading cause of death for women under the age of 60. Creating awareness and breaking the stigma of having a mental illness is vital in ensuring women gain the confidence to seek professional help, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic.

5. HIV: The AIDS pandemic has been ongoing for three decades. Due to being uninformed, or misinformed, young women struggle to guard themselves against the sexual transmission of HIV and receive the treatment needed. This in turn leaves them vulnerable to contracting other infections such as tuberculosis and is known as one of the main causes of death which is one of the leading causes of death in low-income countries for women aged 20–59 years.

6. Sexually transmitted infections: While the prevention of HIV is of utmost importance, and HPV being the world’s most common STI, we have to shine a light on the prevention and treatment of other diseases such as gonorrhoea, chlamydia and syphilis. Untreated syphilis is responsible for over 200 000 stillbirths and premature foetal deaths each year, in addition to the deaths of over 90 000 new-borns.

7. Violence against women: Not all men have assaulted women, but almost every woman has been assaulted. Women are most likely to be subjected to physical and sexual violence. As the evidence stands 1 in 3 women under the age of 50 has experienced physical and/or sexual violence. This ultimately affects their physical and mental well-being in the short-term and long-term, harbouring PTSD. South Africa has made great improvements on this issue by providing a gender-based violence (GBV) hotline. Being aware and being able to seek support from health workers regarding this violence is vital in its prevention and the safety of women and young girls. The long term effects of child sexual abuse are also noteworthy and help demonstrate that the violent, abusive or sexual violation of young girls has recurring problems like re-victimisation.

8. Non-communicable diseases: About 4.7 million women died from non-communicable diseases in 2012 before the age of 70, most in low- and middle-income countries. The deaths were results of road accidents, misuse of tobacco, alcohol abuse, drug and substance abuse and obesity. In Europe and America alone more than 50% of women are overweight. By teaching young girls and women to adopt healthy lifestyle changes earlier in life is key to maintaining a long and healthy life.

9. Being young: Sexual and reproductive health implications are prominent in young girls: STIs, HIV, and pregnancy. Approximately 13 million adolescent girls (under 20) birth a child each year. During pregnancy and childbirth a number of complications occur, leading to the death of these young mothers. Not to mention, many suffer the ramifications of unsafe abortion(s).

10. Getting older: Women working from home in the earlier days, have little to no pensions or benefits to fall back on. Moreover, they have less access to health care and social services than men. Therefore a combination of the risk of poverty, age-associated conditions such as dementia and matured women hold a higher risk of abuse and poor health service. We live in a new age now where knowledge is all around us, at our very fingertips. By accessing and applying this knowledge we are able to provide younger girls with a surplus of information – both online and through our personal experiences.

In conclusion, it cannot be denied that women (and their rights) have been pushed to the back-burner for over two decades in spite of many countries having signed pledges in the 1995 Beijing Declaration and Platform of Action for the promotion and protection of women’s rights, moreover their rights relating to health. As we all push through the pandemic of Covid-19, it has been exceptionally evident that women’s health has been greatly affected. I feel that it is now time, more than ever, to form an alliance as men and women, young and old, to overcome the top 10 health issues women specifically face.

The more we learn and grow in these ever-changing modern times the more we are able to assist and support women in the battles they face. It may seem as though one person cannot make a change, however a ripple effect is inevitable upon one stone being thrown into a river. Let us all be that stone and cause a ripple effect of knowledge amongst the rivers we have in our lives. Specifically relating to the number 10, there is so much we can learn from the older generation as young women, however with a plethora of knowledge at our fingertips (literally).

We have a responsibility to take it upon ourselves to be informed and take action where and when it is needed. Learning from the worlds female health experts and thought leaders on wellness would help so many young women with preventative measures and more self care.

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