Why be a healthy woman?
Women frequently put the needs of others before their own - even before their own health - and while women generally pay more attention to their health than men, they can still be slower to seek medical attention for certain issues, such as heart problems, because they may experience different and unfamiliar symptoms. Studies show that the healthiest societies are the ones with the healthiest women, but if women neglect their own health, or don’t have access to appropriate health services, it makes it much harder for them to care for others.
Why a women’s health service?
A women specific health service is needed for a variety of reasons:
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there are some health issues that are unique to women - for example, those related to childbirth, breastfeeding, menstruation and menopause;
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women’s use of health services is different to men’s with women having higher rates of morbidity, chronic illnesses and disability, with more reported physical and emotional health problems;
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women are particularly affected by the adverse effects of poverty and violence;
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women are far more likely to be the primary carers of children, families, people with disabilities and the elderly.
Sexual and reproductive health is an important factor in shaping how women develop and maintain meaningful interpersonal relationships, appreciate their bodies, interact with others, express affection, love and intimacy, and by choice, bear children.
Women are exposed to different social pressures than men; this can increase their risk of experiencing poor sexual and reproductive health. Women need access to all options, to be given maximum choice of services and to be supported in their decisions.
Society has created differences in expectations of women and men, resulting in different kinds of community participation, different exposures to health risks and differential treatment.
Violence against women occurring within intimate partner relationships is sometimes referred to as domestic violence or family violence. Violence against women includes physical, sexual, economic, psychological and emotional abuse.
One in three adult women has experienced violence or threats of violence in their lives, yet 80% of violent incidents against women are not reported to the police or community services.