Today, the 28thof May, is International Day of Action for Women’s Health. On this day 32 years ago in Costa Rica, during the reunion of the Women’s Global Network for Reproductive Rights (WGNRR), it was declared International Day of Action for Women’s Health. The WGNRR is a network of members, which was established 1984, who build and strengthen movements of sexual and reproductive health as well as those of sexual and reproductive health rights and justice.
“WGNRR was born out of a fire: the fire of anger about the abuse and suffering of women and the fire of passion to join hands to change women’s lives globally…” – Loes Keysers (Founding Member).
In 1999 the International Day of Action for Women’s Health was officially recognised by our (South African) government. It is a celebration of the achievements that have been made in the sexual and reproductive rights of women globally. Most importantly, this day is about putting women’s health in the spot light. It is about continued advocacy and campaigning for advances in these rights for women internationally. Some of the topics that have been focussed on over the years, specifically in South Africa, are: access to quality health care; access to safe and legal abortions; women and HIV/AIDS; violence against women and access to contraception.
In my capacity as a medical student, with my limited experience within the health system, and as a black woman in South Africa I believe we still have a long way to go as a country with regards to women’s Health and health rights. However, having said that, I do believe that our government is taking strides in the right direction with progressive laws on the topics previously mentioned. So, on paper things are looking up for women in South Africa. My experience of the reality South African women face however is a different story.
A fundamental issue is the lack of access to quality health care. This is a song we have been singing for many years and at this rate we will be singing it for many more years to come. This is a multifactorial problem but it is a problem that denies many women (and men) there basic health rights. Even if a woman is able to access a facility freely, the knowledge and understanding of her rights and responsibilities is minimal or completely lacking. I for one only found out my rights related to termination of pregnancy(TOP), contraception and violence against me, as a woman, during my current studies as a medical student. So, what about the lay person? Are we as health professionals and future health professionals empowering the women that come through our consulting rooms? Are we as women empowering each other? Is the fire still burning within us to join hands, to stand together, for each other? These might be considered tough questions, but its time we face them head on.
We all come from different ethnic, cultural and social backgrounds. As a result we have different beliefs and practices. However as individuals: men, women, young people, old people and leaders in all spheres of life – it is important to reflect on what our words and actions influence. Are we perpetuating stigma around contraception and TOPs resulting in women fearing accessing these services? Are we promoting violence of any sort against women by the words we say or our actions? Are we as health professionals judging and coercing woman into decisions when they seek health care?
For many, if true reflection occurs, the answers to these questions may be very negative. But, that’s okay. What matters is what you do going forward. As South Africa we have a long road ahead to improve access, education, stigma, social practises and many other aspects I have not mentioned as women’s health is not solely about sexual and reproductive rights. It is both the responsibility of our government and us, the people, to ensure that women of this country – our mothers, grandmothers, sisters, partners and friends – are empowered and live in a world where their sexual and reproductive rights are fulfilled safely.
Let the fire burn on!