Gender as a Key Factor in Health
The World Health Organization (WHO) took a decisive step in 2021 by recognizing that gender is an essential element in people’s health. This statement emphasizes how the life experiences of men and women can influence their physical and mental health. However, mainstream medicine has often neglected the specific needs of women, focusing mostly on the male body as the primary reference.
Differences in Medical Treatment
An obvious example of this inequality can be seen in emergency services. When a man presents with chest pain, he is immediately subjected to tests such as an electrocardiogram. Instead, women who experience similar symptoms are often given anxiolytics, a response that highlights a lack of sensitivity to their conditions. This disparity in treatment can be attributed to gender stereotypes that affect the perception of pain and stress.
Gender Stereotypes in Medicine
Furthermore, women who express stress are often labeled as hysterical, while men are seen as burdens of responsibility. This dynamic should not only be considered in the medical context, but also in other areas such as business.
A Project for Equality
The book ‘Mujeres invisibles para la medicina’ by Carme Valls, a doctor and expert in medicine with a gender perspective, addresses these issues in depth. Furthermore, in a special episode of the podcast ‘El pódcast de CRÍTIC’, Valls is interviewed about the lack of a gender perspective in health. Together with Glòria Ochoa and Núria Alcaraz, initiatives to integrate a gender perspective in occupational health and equality plans are presented.
The ‘With perspective’ Project
‘With perspective’ is an initiative that seeks to address the inequalities that women face in the workplace, which are often ignored or underestimated. This proposal aims to incorporate the gender perspective into occupational health, ensuring that preventive measures are adapted to the specific needs of workers.
Access the Full Conversation
The full discussion with Carme Valls, Glòria Ochoa and Núria Alcaraz is available on platforms such as Spotify and iVoox, offering an opportunity to explore these crucial issues further.
Reflections on the Future
Incorporating a gender perspective into medicine and the workplace is not only a matter of social justice, but also a necessity to improve the health and well-being of the entire population. Society must strive to recognize and address these inequalities to ensure that all voices are heard and respected.
