Women and their Rights to Sexual and Reproductive Health - Essay Example

? Women and their Rights to Sexual and Reproductive Health Outline Introduction Literature Review Argument Presentation Discussion Conclusion Most societies in the world, including the society in which we live in, have seen and considered the male gender role as the main authority who owns the power, control and influence in every social organization. This system of patriarchy is supported and intensified by our society through the continuous reinforcement of the male domination via different institutions such as religion, government, economy, family, and often than not, the institution of education as well. Likewise, one among the roles being played by these social institutions is the shaping of gender roles between men and women. It is the case that how people are supposed to behave and how they act are something that is already influenced and anticipated by the society. On the one hand, the unjust power dynamics between men and women has affected greatly women in our society in general. It is not just the old, middle – aged, young, or even those females who are not born yet who are affected but generally, all women are troubled. This is for the reason that women are clearly situated at a disadvantageous point because of the unfair and unequal power relations between men and women. Women are considered as second class citizens who are powerless and need to depend on men. Women lack the power to control their lives and even to rule over their own body since the normative standard expects men to dominate over women. Because of the fact that women cannot even have power over their own bodies, they are not given priority and are usually ignored to have the rights to the sexual and reproductive health. In this regard, this argumentative paper will dwell on the position that women, who lack the control over their bodies, must have the rights to their sexual and reproductive health. I am saying this not just on behalf of those women who are infected by sexual infections and diseases, but I am stating this on behalf of all the women. Not all women may have the full awareness that they are limited because of gender but just accept what the society dictates them. However, sexual and reproductive health is one of the many things that women do not have. Thus, they should have these rights as women. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), as stated by Amzat and Abdullahi (2008), has turned out to be a challenging global health concern for having around 40 million infected people in Africa. Indeed, this health issue is indeed a global concern but the condition of Africa is something that is really shocking. It is the case that seven (7) out of ten (10) infected with the disease are residing at this region. What contributes to this bulk number of infected people is not just the lack of awareness of having protected sex and the lack of safe sex practice however, according to the United Nations Development Programme – Pacific Centre’s (UNDPPC) (2009) report, there is a close connection between the spread of HIV as well as the distinct and unfair experiences of women and men and together with the unjust power relations between them that leads to the gender – based discrimination of different sorts suffered by women. Moreover, the result of the new report has been consistent to the United Nations’ old report in 1996. Both have asserted that gender is still suggested to be considered as a concern in order to address, stop and invert the increase of HIV as well as the other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). The case of the spread of HIV in the Pacific is marked by risky sexual behaviors of men who have happened to hold more social power and have more freedom in having sexual activities as compared to women (UNDPPC, 2009). Meanwhile, the society has constructed its ideas on masculinity whose common features link to their likelihood of acquiring this sexual infection. Men’s physical and sexual prowess together with their authority in the society has altered the traditions and caused them to be at a great risk. Because of such imbalanced power relations, Tearfund (2009) has clearly stated that these women are helpless and unable to protect themselves from the sexually transmitted diseases. It is the case that women have happened to be powerless over their sexual relationships with men. Since our society has institutions that greatly strengthen the system of patriarchy, women are continuously dominated by men. On the one hand, the institution of church has the power, influence and control to address the culturally sensitive issues like HIV/STD. However, the response of the church in this health concern is something that could even more contribute to the increase of this sexual disease to all people, especially women. On some selections of the Biblical accounts, in marriage, women are taught to submit themselves to men. Nonetheless, it can be observed that this teaching is really in favor of men for the reason that women do not have any right to decide for the home, for herself, and even for matters of sexual intercourse with their partner. The abusive religious teaching supports the domination of men and subjugation of women. The gender roles in the society have shaped the women’s dependence on men and a lot more other disadvantages of women being women themselves. Moreover, as this patriarchal society strengthens and supports masculinity, having sexual experiences prior to marriage is evidence of manhood. According to Adejoh and Uchenna (2011), the use of condom is not commonly practiced by both unmarried and married couples because of the conceptions on masculinity. As a consequence, this situation puts both men and women at a greater risk of having the infection. Therefore, women, especially married women, must be given much attention on the risks of HIV infection (UNPPC, 2009). As a matter of fact, it is important to note that these sexually transmitted infections (STIs) do not only fuel the likelihood of HIV. STIs also cause the danger of infertility and liver diseases. In women, in particular, STIs can result to cervical cancer (UNPPC, 2009). According to UNPPPC (2009), the probability of HIV infection is high in countries that do not have sufficient health services. In these nations, the public is more probable to have the lack of awareness on this sexual health concern. It is also the case that they lack the understanding to grasp the social issue. They are also more scared dealing with the problem because of the stigma attached to HIV. This is supported by both Gilbert and Walker (2010) and UNAIDS (2009). In Gilbert and Lizwalker’s (2010) study on stigma, stigma can even increase number of HIV infections because people who fear to uptake the HIV tests would make them less likely to recognize their risk of having the said infection. Furthermore, in a 2009 review made by UNAIDS, it has been found out that the fear of stigma is consistently negatively associated with the uptake of testing and use of curing services. Given the fear of stigma and discrimination that can damagingly affect lives of people, women cannot even practice their rights to sexual and reproductive health. With the given cursory outlook on the social reality of the experienced gender inequality, gender – based violence, and the different forms of subjugation as suffered by women because of the unjust power dynamics between men and women where men have power over women, and that the social institution like the church supports and reinforces these inequality and violence, I would like to assert that women, who lack the control over their bodies, must have the rights to their sexual and reproductive health. This is because, first, to protect themselves on sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) is not men’s concern alone but women should also have equal right on the decision of having sexual intercourse and of using contraceptives like condom. Second, in order for women to fully have the gender equality and the rights to their body and health, the role of the church, as an institution that greatly affects the gender roles, is impediment for women to have the right to their body, thus, right to sexual and reproductive health. Lastly, to lower the likelihood of acquiring the disease and increasing the probability of awareness and prevention of the danger of HIV and other STIs, stigma and discrimination should not serve as barriers to access health care services such as having test for HIV and proper cure among women. What has made me state the first point of argument is because of the fact that the system of patriarchy is what governs our society. This system is male – centered that has explained why the women’s standpoint has always been excluded. The system of patriarchy makes women be of lower status than men. This system contributed to the unjust experiences and positions of women in the society. Since our society has been shaped by men’s point of view and that the social institutions reinforce the power of men, women have been limited including the decision on protect themselves against the sexually transmitted infections and diseases. Women’s agency happens to be so weak and powerless under patriarchy. Their voices are often unheard and ignored because it’s the men who are more valued and have more importance than them. Gender as a social construct has put limitations to women and their health as well. Women’s health concerns are not prioritized but are even ignored. Secondly, I argue that the role of the church is a hindrance to women’s rights over their sexual and reproductive health because of its position of respect and influence. It influences the abusive gender relations between men and women. This shapes greatly the gender roles of men and women. As a religious social institution promulgating the words of God, it causes big impacts on women’s way of life including their health. The church, as a social institution, greatly affects gender. Through the scriptures, a common teaching is that women should be submissive to men. This only goes to show how church promotes gender inequality and the likelihood of men abusing women even if these women happen to be their wives. Because of this, women have no even control over their bodies as well as the sexual and reproductive matters with men. Women cannot freely hold their sexual and reproductive rights because of the opposition of the church. But because the church tells women to be submissive, women also submits to the dangers of HIV, STD, STI and other health diseases, not only the sexual and reproductive health problems. Nonetheless, according to Herstad (2009), the church can significantly transform the cultural expectations of people because of three things. First, it can support the capability of religious groups to address HIV concerns because of its relation to gender – based violence. Secondly, it has the power to deepen their points of views, consciousness and understanding of gender – based violence. Lastly, it can develop faith – based activities about gender – based violence. Last of all, I contend that stigma and discrimination are not only barriers to access health care services such as having test for HIV and proper cure among women but also fuel new sexually transmitted disease. Women are regarded as second class citizens, and therefore, powerless compared to men. Being a subordinated group and that HIV is a disease that is highly stigmatized, women are even situated as the more oppressed and discriminated group. The inequalities of gender situate women at a greater risk of acquiring the said infection because of the unjust power relations that exists between both men and women. Because of the HIV stigma, women can be stereotyped as whores, sluts, and the like. Instead of accessing the health care services, they are not likely to avail these because of the fear of stigma which the society has created in order to assert its power and maintain the social order. However, it is important to realize the standpoints of where these women are coming from. It may be the case that they are infected but then they are stigmatized and discriminated. Nonetheless, it’s too wrong to make hasty generalizations and judgments because what we have been missing are the roles of men on the spread of disease. On the sad note, the epidemic of HIV infection is more common in the poor regions of the world. According to Beegle and de Walgue (2009), it has long contributed to the spread of infection in Sub – Saharan Africa. Aside from gender and religion, race, class, politics, and culture are the other factors of HIV infection among women. I am coming from a point of view that because these people are among the economically, politically, and educationally deprived individuals. All these aspects intersect to work together to limit women’s health. Their culture is something that also limits their awareness and understanding of the infection and treatment. In this reason, the spread of disease is more probable in this region. Basically, this issue is of importance not only for me but in behalf of all the women, because sexual and reproductive health is something that we, women, must have! This is not just for those with infections, or those who are sexually active, but having the rights to sexual and reproductive health benefits all the women. Because of how the society shapes gender, women who lack the power to control their own body should have the rights to their sexual and reproductive health. Women must go continuously assert equality including the equal right on the decision of having sexual intercourse and using contraceptives in order to protect themselves from infections. The decision is not just the men’s but the women’s too. On the one hand, the church, instead of promoting abusive relationships and contributing to spread of disease, must do the otherwise. The church must promote equal gender relations between men and women. It’s the time now for the church to stop the abusive implications on power dynamics of their biblical teachings. Lastly, stigma and discrimination must be stopped to lessen the likelihood of spreading the disease. We have been marginalized as women because of our body, our sexual and reproductive organ. Nevertheless, who and what we are remain something that beyond that. Having the rights to sexual and reproductive health is not just about avoiding the HIV or STIs but initially, it re - gains the control to our own body, one good sign of the power of being a woman. It is just our right to decide on our own body because this is our life. This is not about selfishly speaking on my behalf but this is to liberate women from the margins. What is not seen and heard is our point of view, the women. It’s now the time to be heard and be empowered. References: Adejoh, Iyaji & Uchenna, Ogbuke Martha. (2011). Condom use in Nigeria: an evaluation. Current Research Journal Economic Theory 3(1): 10-13. Amzat, J. and Abdullahi, A. (2008). Roles of traditional healers in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Ethno-medicine 2.2: 153-159. Beegle, K., and D. de Walque. 2009. Demographic and socioeconomic patterns of HIV/AIDS prevalence in Africa. Policy Research Working Paper 5076. Washington, DC: World Bank. Gilbert, Leah & Walker, Liz (2010). ‘My biggest fear was that people would reject me once they knew my status…’: stigma as experienced by patients in an HIV?AIDS clinic in Johannesburg, South Africa. Health and Social Care in the Community 18(2), 139–146. Herstad, Britt. (2009). The role of religious communities in addressing gender-based violence and HIV. Washington, DC: Futures Group, Health Policy Initiative, Task Order 1. Tearfund (2009). Gender, HIV and the church: a case study. Retrieved from http://tilz.tearfund.org/webdocs/Tilz/Topics/Gender/Gender%20HIV%20and%20Church%20web.pdf. UNAIDS (2009). HIV-related stigma and discrimination: a summary of recent literature. Retrieved from http://data.unaids.org/pub/Report/2009/20091130_stigmasummary_en.pdf United Nations Programme – Pacific Centre (UNPPC) (2009). Gender and HIV in the Pacific Island Region. United Nations Programme - Pacific Centre. Retrieved from http://www.undppc.org.fj/_resources/article/files/HIVandGender.pdf . 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