Day 9/16: Structural Violence and its impact on Women’s Health

The notion of structural violence as a form of violence against women arises from the human rights principle by which all governments have the duty to protect, promote and fulfil human dignity, life and health. Structural violence is an“avoidable impairment of fundamental human needs” and is a major contributing factor for premature death and unnecessary disability. This violence is often a result of poor health policies and practices that harm or fail to protect citizens from avoidable violations, deaths and injustices; policies and practices which are subsequently institutionalized by health administrators, financial/budget decision makers, medical doctors, and other health workers.

Call to Action on Governments

Ministries of Health work with their governments and remove all financial barriers that limit women and girls from accessing health care services. Governments should reduce service fees that deter a common person, especially those from poor and war-torn countries to have access to care. Removing financial barriers to care must be accompanied by efforts to ensure that health services are appropriate, acceptable, and of high quality to meet the needs of women and girls.

Call to action on Women

Amplify your Voice, Orange the World, demand for removal of financial barriers that limit access to healthcare services.  Join us at #WLHIVSPEAKOUT; Join the Global Campaign (Orange the World, #HearMeToo)