Women's Rights Equal Women's Lives: The Case of Pakistan
- Author:
Moazzam ALI
;
Humayun RIZWAN
;
Mohammad Ayaz BHATTI
;
Chushi KUROIWA
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Maternal health;
human rights;
gender discrimination;
violence;
Pakistan
- From:Journal of International Health
2007;22(1):35-45
- CountryJapan
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Objectives
The Constitution of Pakistan offer guarantees regarding women s rights, but unfortunately some laws and also customs violate the above commitments seriously affecting the health of women and even endangering their lives. The purpose of the study is to describe various aspects of women s health in Pakistan vis- -vis human rights.
Methods
Review of available literature was undertaken. The scientific electronic database (such as PubMed, Science-Direct & Pakistani database) was searched for women health issues in Pakistan, covering a period from 1980s to present. Published government reports have also been included as sources of information for this paper.
Results
In Asia, Pakistan s, maternal mortality ratio is among the highest; more than half of the women are anemic. Access to health services is deprived whether be it economic, geographical or social. Majority of women are illiterate. Pakistan is among the countries with low gender indices and where female life span is less then men, and men outnumber women. Government spending on health and particularly women health is low compared to other countries.
Conclusion
Women s disproportionate poverty, low social status, gender imbalances, and inadequate maternal services at the community level play a significant role in contributing to maternal deaths. In view of the fact that given accessible, quality health services, many maternal deaths can be avoided, demonstrates maternal mortality is clearly an issue of human rights.
There is a strong need that health sector spending is increased, role of women health care providers in rural areas be expanded (such as LHW) and involvement of private and NGO sector to fill gaps in service delivery, be ensured. In order to meet the targets of MDGs, the gender dimensions of demographic and social change need to be stressed further in all policies and development plans, which may result in narrowing of gender disparities and improving women lives.
