Gender (in)equality in access to health resources

What are you wishing someone on their birthday or when the clock ticks midnight and the years change? What is the first thing that comes to your mind? Is it health? In Romania, we say that health has no price, but it takes a lot of effort and time to offer everyone, no matter the sex, access to health resources. Gender inequalities have a wide spectrum in the health sector and in the Erasmus Project: “Campaigning against gender inequality”, we are deciphering in what fields are women or men “healthier”.

Everything comes down to protecting and feeling safe in our bodies. One could argue that gender is a determinant factor for having access to health resources. In our research, we defined 4 areas, where we see some gender disparities or particularities: unhealthy beauty standards, access to sanitary products, contraceptives, and mental health resources. The complexity of the scope and the shame to talk about one’s own health issues are putting a stop to discussions, but we are here to change that.

When have you openly talked with your friends about your struggle to protect your health during a sexual act? Or was it really your mom who explained to you what menstruation is on time and not on the day that you got your first period? Or when have you openly said: “I need your help. Please, help me”? All these questions are impacted by the gender that you have and your answer might differ, just because you are a man or a woman. Our message is that communication is key. Answering these questions should not be a tabu and we are here to take the veil off some hard truths.

You are not alone in this fight and your health should stand above all stereotypes and prejudices. Understanding how our bodies work can solve many inequalities. We want to reach all doctors, nurses, pharmacists, parents, youngsters, and all categories of age and sex. Affording being healthy must not be a privilege, but a normality. For all, no matter the gender.

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This article is inspired by my participation in the Erasmus+ Youth Exchange "Campaigning against gender (in)equality" in FORNOS DE ALGODRES, PORTUGAL. Special thanks to Youthland organization for offering this opportunity. 

Un articol de Laura Catărău