Social mindset biggest hurdle in way of women’s reproductive health, rights

Islamabad : While announcing its decision to constitute a committee that will design a national framework for women’s reproductive health and rights, the National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW) Wednesday unveiled an intervention study that blames the existing mindset as being the key impediment to the realization of these rights for women.

Conducted by ShirkatGah was, the study, which is titled ‘Strengthening Governance in Health System for Reproductive Health and Rights (RHR) in Pakistan: An Intervention Case Study,’ identifies the gaps, obstacles, opportunities and possible solutions for strengthening health governance for women’s reproductive health and rights (RHR). It is based on the findings of a four-year intervention (2014-17) carried out in six districts across four provinces Pakistan with the support of International Development Support Centre (IDRC).

Federal Minister for Health Services Saira Afzal was the chief guest on the occasion. She was flanked by NCSW Chairperson Khawar Mumtaz, Executive Director of ShirkatGah Farida Shaheed, Chairperson of the Provincial Commission on the Status of Women for Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Neelum Toru, and MPA Shameela Aslam, among others.

Sharing the findings of the study, Farida Shaheed highlighted how the existing social mindset prevents access to reproductive health and rights. “Girls are not supposed to discuss reproductive health issues. Even if reproductive health facilities are available in the locality, visiting such a facility is considered a source of shame, especially for girls. And when a girl reaches the facility, she doesn’t discuss her issue with the doctor directly. She is always represented by her family member,” shared Farida.

The study indicates that that at the district level, people are generally more comfortable about visiting public health facilities but there are complaints of discouraging and rude behaviour of health staff in such facilities. Those who came in contact with public health facilities also reported sexual harassment by male staff.

The report recommends the formulation of a strong communications strategy by the government and civil society to create awareness on reproductive health issues and to sensitize health staff. It report also suggests provision, repair and maintenance of medical equipment, better compliant mechanism, and display of code of conduct on sexual harassment at the district health centers, as well as holding of refreshment courses and technical training for health staff. The study presents a series of evidence-based recommendations for improved equity, community participation and government responsiveness within health governance for women’s reproductive health and rights.

Expressing her views, Saira called for the adoption of culture-sensitive approaches for all initiatives and projects for women’s RHR at the district level. She said no law can be implemented if the society refuses to change its traditions and norms. She also stressed the need to engage men in all advocacy efforts. She termed lack of human resource as the biggest challenge for the health sector at district level. “There is no short cut to women’s empowerment. We need to educate them and make them aware of their rights for substantial change. We have to make the society realize that women make families, families make communities and communities make a nation. Women are the nucleus of a nation,” she said.

Khawar Mumtaz talked about alarming indicators of health for women. “The health budget is doubled and donors have also been extending aid in health sector, especially reproductive health, but unfortunately, we fail to achieve results,” she said. She announced to form a committee at the NCSW to formulate national framework for women’s RHR.

Neelum Toru recommended collaborative efforts and building of connections to improve the situation while Shameela Aslam talked about the social mindset that discourages women from utilizing their full potential. She shared her experiences as a woman politician and the way she fought for her rights.