GENDER ISSUES AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH.pptx

reproductive health

1. GENDER ISSUES AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH PRESENTED BY ANN NG’ANG’A

2. Definition of terms Gender Social or cultural distinctions associated with being male, female, or intersex Gender issues ; it encompass a wide range of challenges and inequalities related to the roles, expectations, and identities of individuals based on their gender Gender equality ; This involves ensuring that individuals of all genders have equal rights and opportunities in all aspects of life, including education, employment, and participation in decision-making processes. Gender stereotypes ; Gender stereotypes and norms can limit individuals by prescribing specific behaviors or roles based on their gender

3. Gender Identity and Expression : Acknowledging and respecting diverse gender identities and expressions is vital. This includes recognizing transgender, and supporting their rights and well-being. Gender roles ; How people are expected to conduct themselves based upon their assigned sex. Examples Women are generally expected to dress in typically feminine ways. Men are generally expected to be strong, aggressive, and bold.

4. Gender inequalities and discrimination refer to the unequal treatment and opportunities afforded to individuals based on their gender, with a particular focus on women who often face systemic disadvantages in many societies. Gender discrimination is a violation of human rights and has wide-ranging social, economic, and political implications. Gender Mainstreaming is the process of incorporating a gender perspective into policies, strategies, programs, project activities, and administrative functions, as well as into the institutional culture of an organization. Women’s Empowerment means improving the status of women to enhance their decision-making capacity at all levels, especially as it relates to their sexuality and reproductive health.

5. Statements on gender roles A woman‘s place is in the home. The most important thing a woman can do is have babies. A man is only valued for his ability to make money and provide for his family. A man is more of a ― man once he has fathered a child. Women are naturally better parents than men. A woman should have sex only with someone she loves. A man should have sex only with someone he loves. Sex is more important to men than to women. A woman should be a virgin at the time of marriage. It is okay for a man to have sex outside of marriage if his wife does not know about it. Family planning will always be a more important issue to a woman than to a man because she is the one who can get pregnant. Men will feel threatened if too many women are in leadership roles

6. Types of gender inequality and discrimination Economic Inequality : This includes the gender pay gap, where women tend to earn less than men for the same work or for work of equal value. It can also involve limited access to economic opportunities, such as jobs, promotions, and financial resources Occupational Segregation : Women are often underrepresented in certain professions and overrepresented in others. This can lead to gender discrimination in hiring, promotion, and compensation. Gender-based Violence : This includes physical, sexual, and psychological violence directed at an individual because of their gender. It can manifest as domestic violence, sexual harassment, human trafficking, and more.

7. Cont , Lack of Education : In some regions, girls are denied access to education, which perpetuates gender inequality. Even in places with access to education, there may be disparities in the quality of education for boys and girls. Reproductive Rights : Gender discrimination can occur in the form of limitations on access to contraception and family planning, as well as restrictions on abortion rights. Political Underrepresentation : Women are often underrepresented in political offices, from local governments to national parliaments. This can result in policies that do not adequately address women's issues.

8. cont. Gender Stereotypes and Bias : Societal norms and stereotypes can reinforce traditional gender roles and lead to discrimination. For instance, the idea that women are less capable in STEM fields can hinder their professional advancement Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Discrimination : LGBTQ+ individuals can face discrimination based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. This can manifest as unequal treatment, violence, or legal barriers to rights and recognition. Intersectional Discrimination : Some individuals may experience discrimination based on multiple aspects of their identity, such as race, ethnicity, disability, and gender. This is often referred to as intersectional discrimination.

9. cont Work-Life Balance : Many women face challenges in balancing their work and family responsibilities, and may be discriminated against for taking maternity leave or seeking flexible work arrangements. Inheritance and Property Rights : In some cultures and legal systems, women are denied equal rights to inherit property or land, which can limit their economic security. Forced and Early Marriage : Some girls are forced into marriage at a young age, which can have detrimental physical, emotional, and educational consequences.

10. effects of gender inequality and discrimination Gender inequality and discrimination have wide-ranging and detrimental effects on individuals, societies, and economies. These effects can manifest in various ways, affecting different aspects of life. Economic disparities Gender Pay Gap : Women, on average, earn less than men for the same work, leading to financial insecurity and reduced economic opportunities. Occupational Segregation : Discriminatory practices often push women into lower-paying jobs and professions Limited Access to Economic Resources : Gender discrimination can limit women's access to credit, land, and other economic resources, hampering entrepreneurship and economic independence.

11. 2) Health disparities Limited Healthcare Access : Gender discrimination can restrict women's access to healthcare, leading to poorer health outcomes. Violence Against Women : Discrimination contributes to higher rates of violence against women, which have severe physical and psychological consequences. Reproductive Health : Gender inequalities can limit women's access to family planning and reproductive healthcare, impacting maternal and child health.

12. 3. Education barriers Lower Enrollment : In many parts of the world, girls are still less likely to attend school and complete their education, limiting their future prospects. Gender Stereotyping : Discrimination can perpetuate harmful stereotypes, discouraging girls from pursuing STEM fields or other traditionally male-dominated areas. 4. Political underrepresentation Underrepresentation : Gender discrimination often leads to women being underrepresented in political leadership positions, which can result in policies that do not adequately address their needs.

13. 5. Social and cultural impact Normalization of Violence : Discrimination contributes to the normalization of gender-based violence, making it more challenging to combat. 6. Psychological effects Lower Self-Esteem : Discrimination can lead to lower self-esteem and mental health issues, especially among those who face gender-based discrimination. Internalized Stereotypes : Individuals may internalize negative gender stereotypes, limiting their aspirations and self-perception.

14. 7. Generational impact Discrimination often perpetuates across generations, as children raised in households with unequal gender roles and discrimination are more likely to replicate these patterns in their own lives. 8. Global impact Gender discrimination and inequality are not confined to specific regions but are global issues. They can hinder progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and global peace.

15. prevention 1. Legislation and Legal Protections: helps ensure equal pay for equal work, closing the gender pay gap. 2. Education and awareness ; Promoting gender equality through educational initiatives, including gender-sensitive curricula. Awareness campaigns to challenge stereotypes and raise awareness of the issues women and marginalized genders face. 3 . Economic empowerment ; Encouraging women's participation in the workforce, entrepreneurship, and leadership positions. Providing financial and business support for women-owned businesses.

16. 4. Healthcare and Reproductive Rights: Ensuring access to quality healthcare, including reproductive healthcare. Supporting family planning, maternal health, and access to contraception 5. Political Representation: Encouraging women's participation in politics and leadership roles. Implementing measures like quotas to increase women's representation in government

17. 6. Work place policies Implementing policies that support work-life balance, such as parental leave and flexible working arrangements. Creating safe and inclusive workplaces by addressing sexual harassment and discrimination. 7. International initiative Participation in global efforts like the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which include gender equality as a key objective. Ratification of international conventions, like the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).

18. 8. Community engagement Engaging communities in discussions about gender equality and encouraging positive changes at the grassroots level. 9 . intersectionality Recognizing that gender discrimination intersects with other forms of discrimination, such as race, ethnicity, and class, and addressing these intersections. 10. Men involvement ; Engaging men and boys in gender equality initiatives, as they play a crucial role in challenging and changing traditional gender norms and behaviors.

19. Health rights 1. patients rights Informed Consent : Patients have the right to receive complete and understandable information about their medical condition, treatment options, potential risks, and alternatives, and they have the right to consent or refuse treatment based on this information. Privacy and Confidentiality : Patients' medical information must be kept confidential, and healthcare providers should respect their privacy. Access to Care : Patients have the right to timely and equal access to healthcare services, regardless of their gender, age, race, or socioeconomic status. Dignity and Respect : Patients should be treated with respect and dignity, free from discrimination or abuse.

20. 2. Health provider rights Ethical Care : Providers have the right to provide care in accordance with their professional and ethical standards. Workplace Safety : Providers have the right to a safe working environment that supports their well-being and enables them to provide quality care. Professional Autonomy : Healthcare professionals have the right to make clinical decisions based on their expertise and the best interests of their patients.

21. 3. Reproductive health rights Reproductive Choice : The right to make informed decisions about one's reproductive life, including the choice to have or not have children and access to contraception. Safe and Legal Abortion : Access to safe and legal abortion services when needed. Access to Comprehensive Sex Education : The right to receive accurate information about sexual health, reproductive choices, and family planning. Freedom from Coercion : Protection from forced sterilization, reproductive coercion, and other violations of reproductive autonomy. Prenatal and Postnatal Care : Access to quality healthcare services during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period.