International Day of Women’s Health Day In Pakistan: a present day situation

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International Day of Women’s Health Day In Pakistan: a present day situation
 

– Reported, January 13, 2012

 

Many people are mystified, insisting that “these women are exaggerating the issue” however, this day offers the opportunity for closer introspection and we can see that the issues are very relevant and pressing. Women have been continually denied their sexual and reproductive rights in international, regional and national forums. Pakistan’s own abysmal health status, especially for women, is a clear-cut example. The current National Health Policy itself excludes sexual and reproductive health; given the increasing proliferation of sexually transmitted diseases, and related issues, it is all the more relevant to ensure a health policy that includes this subject.

Religious, political and economic extremism promotes patriarchal, conservative and exclusionary ideologies, while normalising violations of women’s rights of bodily integrity, autonomy and freedom from sexual violence. Cases of violent behaviour by male partners are on the rise throughout the world, a familiar pattern here.

World-wide incidence of female infanticide and brutal ‘honour killings’ is growing: immigrants to developed countries carry along their customs, including violence and abuse of women, and honour killings. The difference? In western countries it is possible for communities to seek justice. In Pakistan, even Mukhtaran Mai, an icon for women’s struggle, is facing near insurmountable odds in obtaining justice. Indirectly worsening the situation for Pakistani women is the backdrop of terrorism, suicide bombings, civic strife and grinding poverty.

In this country, large numbers of women, when asked if they considered it acceptable to be slapped or hit by husbands for minor misdemeanours, actually accepted that slapping or beating on such occasions is normal behaviour on the part of the husband. These misdemeanours even included truly minor ones, such as lunch not served on time, or chapattis burnt or wife out of the house without permission. So ingrained is this behaviour that women completely accept such violation of their rights. Similarly, marital rape is not even legally recognised as a crime in this country. Where then is the concept of gender equality?

Women who are unable to cope with multiple childbirths seek abortion services (in Pakistan, this is the main reason for abortions); however, in some countries abortion providers and even midwives providing skilled care for home births are increasingly criminalised. (Abortion is sanctioned by Islam during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy and is also legally acceptable in Pakistan).

Animosity towards and overt violation and persecution of the rights of transgender communities is the norm in many countries: often, they are not accepted by heterosexual members of the populace; homosexuality is punishable by death.

Health initiatives and programmes continue to subject marginalised women, such as those living with HIV/AIDS, to coercive counselling and sterilisation. While this is not happening to a great extent in Pakistan, programmes to combat HIV/AIDS are generally aimed at men. Recent findings by some groups (NGOs) indicate that a large number of women contracted HIV due to association with drug addicted husbands. The women invariably lacked the knowledge to safeguard their own health. There is immense need to design programmes for men and women, under the umbrella of sexual and reproductive health, to provide information and therapy for all sexually transmitted diseases, not only HIV/AIDS.

Year after year, women’s health has shown little or no improvement. Women’s deaths during pregnancy have remained statically high; communities cry out for decent health care for their expectant mothers, but in vain. There is too little in the national kitty to cater to the needs of the poverty-stricken.

These are just some of the ways in which an individual’s health and human rights are repeatedly violated. It is sobering to realise how much Pakistan has lagged behind in fulfilling the various promises that it made at not one, but several international conventions.

Not that remedial efforts haven’t been made; an excellent Reproductive Health package was announced by the government some years ago, leading to significant improvements. Several similar initiatives have been launched, but none have proved adequate. For reproductive and sexual health to be fully addressed, it is essential to refer to the recommendations of major conferences such as the ICPD* and CEDAW **, and include these in the current National Health Policy. At the moment, these components remain missing.

Despite all the negatives, health activists, by their very nature, are an optimistic breed, determined to defend their rights and equally determined to achieve positive change. The Pakistan Reproductive Health Network, established some years ago, includes such activists. The network, comprising doctors, social workers, and members of civil society, is gaining increasing strength nationally. They are convinced that the path to overall progress is not even possible without the attainment of these human rights.

Credits: Hilda Saeed,InpaperMagzine & Dawncom

More Information at: http://www.dawn.com/2011/05/29/womens-health-day-a-silent-cry.html