A young woman named Ameena, living in a rural setup in Punjab. At 22, she is expecting for the third time, yet she has never received any proper prenatal and postnatal care. Her husband and family, under the influence of traditional beliefs, insist that seeking medical help is unnecessary. As her due date approaches, she experiences severe complications but hesitates to visit the local clinic due to fear of judgement and the long journey required to reach it. Tragically, due to severe complications, she experiences a stillbirth, highlighting the dire consequences of gender discrimination in healthcare.
Ameena’s story is not unique; it reflects upon the silent suffering of countless women across the country. The issue is deeply rooted in social, cultural, and economic structures that prioritise male health and well-being over that of women. This inequality and discrimination affect women’s health and nutritional status. Also, with an intersectionality viewpoint, more than half of Pakistan’s population resides in rural settings, where situations are much more disturbing as compared to suburban and urban settings.
Nutritional Disparities
In discussions about women’s reproductive health problems, we directly jump to marital relationships, pregnancy journeys, and criticism upon the health system. But the nutritional disparities interwoven in our cultural beliefs and traditional ideas, mostly favouring the patriarchy, exist in a woman’s life not only before her marriage but also from her birth, such as the food allocation within many Pakistani households, “the assignment of leg piece,” or the better food portion to the brother and instances alike. The malnourishment of the females put them at risk of chronic health issues in their later lives. Also, the economic dependency upon the male family members further exacerbates their nutritional challenges.
Mental Health Challenges
The intersection of gender disparities and mental health is another area of concern. The prevalence of gender-based violence, domestic violence, and abuse not only poses immediate physical threats but also leads to mental health challenges. The lack of support and awareness about the necessity of sound mental health leads to a cycle of suffering that again largely remains unaddressed.
Maternal Mortality and Reproductive Health
Pakistan has an alarming maternal rate and one of the highest in South Asia, with approximately “154 deaths per 100,000 live births” with one woman dying every 50 minutes (Pakistan Maternal Mortality Survey). Factors that contribute to this tragic statistic include mobility issues to receive healthcare, especially in rural areas; lack of proper medical assistance during pregnancy; and lack of skilled birth attendants, putting women at risk of complications and even maternal death.
Cultural Stigma and Silence
Cultural attitudes towards women’s health issues contribute significantly to the crisis. Societal norms discourage women, and it is sometimes considered taboo to discuss their reproductive health concerns openly. This silence perpetuates ignorance about critical health issues and concerns. Also, the cultural stigmas surrounding family planning and reproductive health often result in misinformation and reluctance to seek help. Cultural norms also restrict decision-making power and autonomy of women, leading to inadequate care during pregnancy and childbirth. According to the United Nations Population Fund (UNPFA), less than 33% of the women have autonomy over their reproductive health decisions.
All in All
In Pakistan, despite the legislative frameworks aimed at promoting gender equality and notions alike, the deeply entrenched cultural norms and societal barriers continue to hinder women’s access to essential health services. The reproductive healthcare crisis needs to be addressed properly at all societal levels in order to have a better future for the generations forthcoming. Also, we can illustrate and conclude through the grim picture the need for policies that empower women in true and literal sense and ensure about equitable access to healthcare services
