Embracing a Feminist Approach to Global Health in International Relations

 

Embracing a Feminist Approach to Global Health in International Relations

Global health is not just a matter of science and medicine; it's deeply intertwined wit
h social, economic, and political factors. One critical perspective that is gaining recognition in this field is the feminist approach. This approach, grounded in International Relations (IR) and feminist theory, offers a unique lens to understand and address global health issues.

The Core of Feminist Approach in Global Health

Feminist theory in global health emphasizes the ways gender norms and inequalities affect health outcomes. It seeks to understand how different social and political structures, often patriarchal in nature, influence who gets sick, who has access to healthcare, and who makes decisions about health policy.

Highlighting Gender Disparities

One key aspect of the feminist approach is its focus on the gendered nature of health. For example, women and girls often face greater health risks due to biological factors, social roles, and inequities in access to healthcare. Issues like maternal health, reproductive rights, and gender-based violence are central to this perspective.

Intersectionality in Health

Feminist theory also introduces the concept of intersectionality to global health. This means understanding how overlapping identities (like gender, race, class, and sexuality) impact individuals' health experiences and needs. For instance, the health challenges faced by a low-income woman of colour might be significantly different from those faced by a middle-class white woman.

Challenging Traditional Power Structures

A feminist approach to global health also involves scrutinizing and challenging traditional power structures in global health governance. It questions why certain voices (predominantly male and Western) have dominated global health discourse and decision-making, and advocates for more

inclusive and diverse representation.

Rethinking Health Priorities and Policies

Feminist IR theorists argue that health policies and priorities have often been set without considering women's specific health needs or the socio-economic factors that disproportionately affect women's health. A feminist approach calls for a re-evaluation of these priorities to make them more inclusive.

Case Studies: Applying a Feminist Lens

The COVID-19 Pandemic

The pandemic has highlighted several issues central to a feminist approach to global health. Women have been disproportionately affected as healthcare workers, caregivers, and victims of domestic violence during lockdowns. A feminist analysis would emphasize these impacts and advocate for gender-sensitive responses to the pandemic.

HIV/AIDS Epidemic

The feminist approach has significantly contributed to understanding the HIV/AIDS epidemic, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. By focusing on women's vulnerability due to gender inequalities and sexual violence, it has influenced more effective, gender-sensitive interventions and policies.

A feminist approach to global health in IR is not just about focusing on women's health issues. It's a broader call for a more equitable, inclusive, and just health system that recognizes and addresses the diverse needs and experiences of all genders. It challenges the status quo and seeks to transform how global health issues are understood, prioritized, and addressed, making it an indispensable perspective in the journey towards global health equity.