Identifying gaps,
obstacles, opportunities and possible solutions for strengthening health governance
for women’s reproductive health and rights (RHR), an intervention study by
Shirkat Gahwas launched by National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW) on
Wednesday.
The study titled
“Strengthening Governance in Health System for Reproductive Health and Rights
(RHR) in Pakistan: An Intervention Case Study” is based on the findings of a
four-year intervention (2014-17) carried out in six districts across four
provinces of the country with the support of International Development Support
Center (IDRC).
The study presents
evidence-based recommendations for improved equity, community participation and
government responsiveness within health governance system for women’s
reproductive health and rights in the country. Federal Minister for National
Health Services, Regulations, and Coordination Saira Afzal Tarar was the chief
guest on the occasion. While presiding, Federal Minister for Health Saira Afzal
Tarar urged culture-sensitive approaches for all initiatives and projects for
women’s RHR at district level. She said that no law can be implemented if the
society rejects to change its traditions and norms. She also stressed the need
to engage men in all advocacy efforts. She said termed lack of human resource
the biggest challenge for health sector at district level. “There is no short
cut to women’s empowerment. We need to educate them and aware them of their
rights for substantial change. We have to make the society realize that women
make families, families make communities and communities make a nation. Women
are nucleus of a nation,” she said.
In her introductory
remarks, NCSW Chairperson Khawar Mumtaz talked about alarming indicators of
health for women. “Health budget is doubled and donors have also been extending
aid in health sector especially reproductive health but unfortunately we fail
to achieve the results,” she said. She announced to form a committee at the
NCSW to formulate national framework for women’s RHR.
Sharing the findings of the
study, Executive Director ShirkatGah Farida Shaheed said biggest obstacle in
the way of women’s reproductive health and rights is the social mindset. “Girls
are not supposed to discuss reproductive health issues. Even if reproductive
health facilities are available in the locality, visiting such facility is considered
a source of shame especially for girls. And when a girl reaches the facility,
she doesn’t discuss her issue with the doctor directly. She is always
represented by her family member,” shared Farida.
She said that at district
level, people are more comfortable in visiting public health facilities but
there are complaints of the discouraging and rude behavior of health staff in
such facilities.
Those who came in contact
with public health facilities also reported sexual harassment by male staff.
The report recommends
strong communications strategy by the government and civil society to create
awareness on reproductive health issues and sensitize the health staff. The
report also suggests provision, repair and maintenance of medical equipment,
better compliant mechanism, and display of code of conduct on sexual harassment
at district health centers, refreshment courses and technical training for
health staff.
Chairperson Provincial
Commission on the Status of Women for Khyber Pakhtun khawa, Neelum Toru
recommended collaborative efforts and building connections to improve the
situation. MPA Shameela Aslam talked about the social mindset that discourages
women from utilizing their full potential. She shared her experiences as a women
politician and the way she fought for her rights.
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