Gender inequalities of health : a case study of Pakistan

Abstract

Pakistan is one of the low-income countries in the world where the status of women in particular, is far lower than even in the South Asian countries. Low level of education, poor health and nutrition, limited access to resources and lack of decision making power are the main causes of low status of women. There is an immense need to provide social, economic, political and regal opportunities to three-quarters of Pakistan's population: women and children who are nether beneficiaries of or contributors to the development process and fall for short of realizing their human potential.

The study is based on the Gender and Development (GAD) approach to assessing and dealing with women's unequal position in society and it involves an analysis of gender disparities with regards to accessing health facilities. The study discusses the present health systems of Pakistan as well as the health status of women. Included are the issues of population growth and family planning policies implemented by the government. It also highlights the role of non-government and international agencies in providing health care services to people, the impact of these services and the barriers to accessing these services. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)