Gender mainstreaming in health

Abstract

The study aims to evaluate gender inequality faced by women working at healthcare services sector and to create awareness. The term “gender” expresses the socially determined roles and responsibilities of women and men and it may vary among populations and over time. Gender equality can be ensured not only through access to healthcare services, professional equality, justice and equity, but also by equal distribution of responsibilities and income between men and women. The study reviewed the literature particularly by screening the recently printed papers on gender mainstreaming, especially in association with the health sector. According to World Economic Forum Global Gender Gap 2020, Turkey is ranked 130 among 153 countries in terms of gender equality. This fact may be secondary to low engagement of women in the labor force. Although working hours of men and women are equal in Turkish health sector, the monthly wage equals to 201.9 hours for men and 200.5 hours for women. Another indicator of gender gap is the gender-based violence against women. According to a study conducted by Ministry of Health in 2018, women are mostly exposed to violence in health sector by 62.5%; 48.1% of healthcare professionals are exposed to verbal violence and 64.9% of crimes of violence are committed by men. Women account for majority of professionals employed in health sector. Considering their health professions, approximately 70% of nurses are women, while the figure is 100% for midwives and approximately 50% for medical doctors. In conclusion, gender-based discrimination may occur in terms of taking advantage of the opportunities, allocation and use of resources and access to services. Women are far worse affected by aforementioned discrimination, as they are more disadvantageous and have lower social status than men. This study advises a perspective that focuses on “gender parity” better regarding policies, strategies and processes in the delivery of healthcare services.