Discrimination of women in developing countries is still strongly present. Neglecting women's potential does not only affects women themselves but also adevelopment of their countries in general. This is a result of neglecting gender equality and female dimension in forming developmental strategies. It is also a sign of prevailing gender stereotypes and discriminatory attitude toward women in the field of economy, education, participation in social and family decision-making, and in the field of health. Gender inequality of womeninfluences their health condition and is seen in the high rate of mortality of pregnant women and children right after birth; in subordinated position in comparison with men regarding decision-making about contraception,anaemia at women and girls, strong labour burdening and greater risk of infection, violence and traditional customs that are harmful to health. Their lower social status also causes women to be the most poor among the poor; they lack education and are not able to search for help they need. Women also do not have information on access to primary health care, and somewhere primary health care is insufficient and unsuitable. Health programmes are still oriented more or less toward cure and insufficiently toward long-term health care for maintaining optimum health. Cultural norms and discrimination of girls and women along, still present a threat to their health.
|
