It's a funny question - why do women deserve better access to healthcare?
Turns out, there are answers for those asking this question.
1/ Women's bodies weren't studied enough!
Throughout history, it was believed that the only difference between male and female bodies was the sexual organs. And that women's sexual organs were perceived as inferior and only suitable for childbirth.
As a result, all medical research was performed on male bodies.
It's why today, we know so little about women's bodies. The funding towards such research continues to be limited even today.
2/ Women are perceived to be in LESS pain.
I'll be honest - I re-read this thrice. I had to confirm.
Because women are assumed to be more emotionally volatile, and have a higher pain threshold, their pain is often reported as NOT REAL.
While reports show that women report severe levels of pain, longer duration, and more frequent incidents, they're still not treated for it.
3/ Women are left behind in diagnoses.
It takes women longer to be diagnosed than men. In most cases, women can also be misdiagnosed or entirely undiagnosed.
Three issues that are largely misdiagnosed: Heart attacks (HUH!), autism, and endometriosis.
4/ There aren't many women to think about women - About 75% of healthcare leadership roles are held by men (globally).
There is a notable lack of female representation in leadership roles within the healthcare sector.
Till we don't have women in decision-making positions, we won't make progress in effectively addressing the needs of women and girls and providing them with appropriate care.
5/ Women are more likely to die of heart attacks compared to men.
Women face a higher risk of dying from a heart attack compared to men. Due to a lack of proper diagnosis and implicit bias, women are less likely to receive evidence-based assessments for specific heart-related issues and are also less likely to receive appropriate treatment for these conditions.
📌 Women deserve better access to healthcare. Period. And Global Citizen backed this up with facts to leave no stone unturned in our fight.
Vice President, Security Architect - Cybersecurity Technology
1moHi Dr Antonella Santuccione Chadha; Women's Brain Foundation: is there an English version?