Listening to Women: What Health Systems Often Miss
Women interact with health systems throughout their lives, but their voices are often unheard. From routine check-ups to maternal care, from chronic illness to mental health support, gaps remain that leave women underserved.
Where Systems Fall Short
Emotional & Mental Health Neglect: Physical symptoms get attention, emotional well-being is often dismissed. Anxiety, postpartum struggles, or chronic stress? Frequently overlooked.
One-Size-Fits-All Policies: Clinical guidelines rarely account for women’s unique physiological, hormonal, and social needs, leading to misdiagnosis or delayed care.
Social Determinants Ignored: Relationships, finances, work pressures, and community support are rarely factored into care plans, yet they shape health outcomes.
Access Inequities: Rural, marginalised, and low-resource women face barriers—from long waits to lack of culturally sensitive care.
What Must Change
Listen Actively: Women’s stories must guide care decisions, not just measurable symptoms.
Adopt Holistic Frameworks: Emotional, social, and spiritual factors should inform policies and programs.
Community-Driven Solutions: Programs must reflect women’s lived experiences for relevance and impact.
Educate Providers: Training on gender-specific needs, implicit bias, and cultural/spiritual context is essential.
Advocate & Hold Accountable: Systems must meet clear targets to close care gaps.
Listening to women isn’t optional; it’s essential. By centring women’s voices, we create care that truly supports their wellbeing, their families, and their communities.