This paper attempts to introduce the most undervalued aspect of women’s life – their health and the various factors that are involved in it so that these become visible. This would help students to be aware of this under-rated facet of women’s life and they take decisive role in changing the situation.
Social, Economic and Political Determinants of Women’s Health.
Gender inequalities in public health policy
1) Review of health policy – major shifts.
2) Gender bias in medical research.
3) Feminist critique of centrally sponsored health initiatives – TB, Malaria, leprosy, AIDS. Communicable diseases – impact on women.
4) Liberalisation and impact on public health – MNCs, drug policy, change in paternal regime, user fees, privatization, role of NGOs, health as a commodity, women as consumers.
Reproductive Health and Population Policy
1) Birth Control vs Population Control (control over fertility vs State control of reproduction). Trends and implication on women’s health.
2) The abortion debate – international and national in the context of sex selective abortions.
3) Women as guinea pigs- gender bias in contraceptive research, medical ethics, privatization of medical research with respect to rights of women.
4) Medicalisation of pregnancy and childbirth.
New Medical Technology-Impact on Women
Margins to Centre