By Atieno Olang
It is 29 years since states adopted the 1995 Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action; certain achievements can be cited in improving women’s access to proper healthcare; however, much still needs to be done. More so for women from disadvantaged backgrounds, those with disabilities and other intersections.
In Kenya, there is a need for proper stocktaking of women’s right to health status. As a country, we are six years shy from Kenya Vision 2030, whose aim is to transform Kenya into a newly industrialising, middle-income country, providing a high quality of life to all its citizens by 2030 in a clean and secure environment.
Notably, there has been progress in the social pillar regarding strengthening health referral systems at the county level and scaling up community health high-impact interventions, among others. Most of these aspirations, however, need more gender-responsive indicators in their design and implementation.
Limited access to Sexual Reproductive health care services has created profound health disparities between men and women in which the latter least benefits.
Including palliative care as an essential health package serves only a few women who live above a dollar a day. Sexual Transmitted Infections have been proven to contribute to a large number of stillbirths at approximately 200000 whilst over 90000 deaths of newborns.
Further to a myriad of health risks that women are constantly subjected to, mental ill-health is also a major contributor to fatalities for women under the age of 60.
There is a need for sensitising women on mental health issues to boost their confidence in seeking aid. Proper Sexual Reproductive health care is bound to reduce high mortality rates, promote women’s immune systems and improve treatment for Sexually Transmitted Infections.
Exploring the needs and desires of women regarding their healthcare means prioritizing women’s leadership in the health sector. Despite women making up 70% of the health workforce, top managerial positions are male-dominated and hence, this reduces the chances for equitable health care.
Additionally, investing in equal pay contributes to efficient service delivery by reducing the burden or over-reliance on women to take up unpaid healthcare work, which often results in fatigue in the workforce.
There is a need to prevent and respond to violence against women. According to the World Health Organization, 1 in 4 adolescent girls who have had intimate partner relations have experienced intimate partner violence or sexual harassment in their Mid-20s.
In such instances, they are left vulnerable and prone to STIs or HIV. Health systems should, therefore, be able to provide preventive care to girls and women.
Michelle Obama would say, “Communities, countries and ultimately the world are only as strong as the health of their women.”
Let us prioritise proper healthcare for our women.
Atieno Olang, NAYA Advocate | Gender and Social Inclusion Officer
