International Women’s Day Media Statement by Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh, Regional Director, World Health Organization, South-East Asia Region
New Delhi, Mar 09, 2015 – On International Woman’s Day, WHO celebrates the economic, political and social achievements of women while calling for urgent action to make gender equality and empowerment a reality which is critical for improving women’s health.
A major barrier for women’s health is inequality, both between men and women and among women in different geographical regions, social classes and indigenous and ethnic groups. These are rooted in social, economic or structural determinants such as unequal access to material resources, inequality in childhood development and barriers to primary and secondary education.
To improve women’s health, we need to address issues related to reproductive health, maternal deaths, malnutrition and noncommunicable diseases; through quality and affordable health services under universal health coverage.
A holistic, comprehensive and life-course approach beyond reproductive health is needed to achieve better health of women – starting from pregnancy and maintained throughout the newborn, childhood, adolescence and aging period. Women must be empowered to take care of their health.
Violence against women and girls is one of the top priority areas of concern requiring more and continued action in the South-East Asia Region.
Women play a vital role in our communities. Healthy women will ensure a healthy family, healthy community and healthy nations. Let us together “Make it happen: Improve women’s health”.
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