On the occasion of the celebration this Friday, March 8, of International Women’s Day, the World Health Organization (WHO) has published the latest data on the situation of women’s health throughout the planet.
Undoubtedly, the sociocultural differences and the discrimination factors that still exist in many countries are some of the causes that negatively affect the quality of life of millions of women and girls.
Inequality, an epidemic to eradicate
- The social situation of women compared to that of men is one of the main concerns of the WHO. Although in recent decades great steps have been taken towards equality, the truth is that in many regions of the planet there are situations of discrimination that damage the quality of life for women.
- According to this organization, between 15% and 71% of women have suffered physical or sexual violence from their partners at some point in their lives, and it occurs equally in all social and economic strata. Another even more chilling fact: one in three women will be beaten or raped throughout her life.
- This situation has a serious impact on health, since it usually translates into unwanted pregnancies, injuries and the spread of sexually transmitted diseases. The AIDS virus, for example, is the leading cause of death of women of reproductive age worldwide.
- Regarding pregnancies, 1,600 women and more than 10,000 newborns die every day throughout the planet, and 90% of the cases occur in developing countries.
Suicides and chronic illnesses
The WHO also reports the high rate of female mortality due to psychological problems. Thus, suicide is one of the leading causes of death for women between the ages of 20 and 59.
In elderly women, over 60 years of age, cardiovascular diseases and cerebrovascular accidents are the pathologies that cause the most deaths. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is also a high cause of mortality, largely due to smoke from traditional kitchens and the occupation of this task by women.
Tobacco, a dangerous addiction
According to the WHO, smoking has become an ‘epidemic’ that kills more than 5 million people worldwide, 1.5 of whom are women. In recent years this habit has increased among the female population, to the point that this sector is the main objective of the tobacco industry.
In addition, it should be taken into account that smoking harms differently depending on gender. Smokers are more at risk of infertility and the incidence of some types of cancer, especially cervical cancer, increases.