By Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh, WHO Regional Director for South- East Asia
On International Women’s Day also known as Women’s Rights Day, we celebrate the social, political and economic achievements of women.
On this day, let us together envision a world where women have equal access to health care and are empowered to make informed choices about their health; a world where women get equal opportunities, equal representation and equal pay as leaders, parliamentarians and workers.
Equality for Women is Progress for All.
Today more women are getting higher education and entering the work force. However, women still receive 30 ̶ 40% less pay for the same work. Women have excelled in all areas of work and hold leadership positions in organizations while continuing to be homemakers and nurturers. And yet, according to the UN, women still do not have equal rights and opportunities as men. They continue to be victims of violence, making rape and domestic violence significant causes of women’s disability and death worldwide.
To achieve health for all people, we must promote and protect the health of women and girls throughout life, not just during the reproductive phase of her life. A healthy, empowered girl child grows up to be a healthy woman. A healthy mother creates a healthy family and a healthy nation.
To realize this vision, women must get equal access to quality, acceptable and affordable health services. This means that our health workforce must be trained and sensitized to be gender sensitive. Health services and interventions need to be designed to meet women’s needs. Only then will we be able to achieve women-centred integrated services and universal health coverage.
On this day, WHO stands by women around the world to stop violence against women and achieve equality for women in health.
Thank you,
Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh