International Women’s Day, celebrated on March 8, is an occasion to celebrate women’s achievements in various fields and to emphasize the importance of protecting and promoting their rights. In this context, one important aspect is the health of women and girls. Access to quality health services, health promotion, and health security are key components that determine their position in society. In this contribution, Virusoff examines the importance of supporting women’s and girls’ health as a fundamental aspect of realizing their rights.
The right to health is a fundamental human right recognized in international instruments such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. However, many women and girls face social, economic, and cultural barriers to realizing this right. They often have limited access to quality health services and face discrimination and violence in the health sector.
Supporting the health of women and girls is not only an ethical and humanitarian issue but also has important economic implications. Healthy women and girls contribute to economic growth, improve social well-being, and reduce the burden of disease on society.
Despite significant improvements in the rights of women and girls in recent years, many of their health challenges remain. Women from key populations often face additional health and rights challenges. For example, high maternal mortality during pregnancy and childbirth, inadequate access to contraception and abortion, and discrimination based on gender or HIV status in accessing health services. They often experience stigmatization and violence, which prevents them from accessing quality health care.
Supporting the health of these groups is necessary to ensure equal access to health care and to protect their rights. This includes conducting information campaigns about the rights of these groups, creating safe spaces in health facilities, and ensuring access to specialized health services tailored to their specific needs. Education plays a key role in raising awareness among women and girls about their rights and health. Increased education and awareness among women and girls contribute to the realization of their rights and protection from health violations. Social mobilization is also an important tool for creating an environment that supports women’s and girls’ health and combats negative sociocultural practices that may hinder their access to health care.
International Women’s Day is a reminder of the need to advance the rights of all women and girls, including their right to health. Their support, both in the Eastern Europe and Central Asia region and globally, not only contributes to their well-being but is also a key factor in achieving social development and justice.