Report on the Annual Gathering of the Group of Women Parliamentarians
Parliamentarian Perspectives on Barriers in their Countries
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The panel participants shared their knowledge of the barriers faced by women in their countries, as well as the barriers they have faced as women parliamentarians advocating for true equality of opportunity on the ground.
Poor Health, Poverty, and Lack of Education: Challenges in Saint Lucia
Minister Reynolds connected gender stereotypes to a lack of access to healthcare, education, and economic opportunities in Saint Lucia. Speaking from her experience in the Ministry for Health, Wellness, Human Services and Gender Relations, she affirmed that attitudes and practices based on women’s perceived inferiority are manifested in families, churches, communities, workplaces, and other social institutions.
As a result, women suffer disproportionately from poverty, disease, and gender-based violence. In Saint Lucia, 28.8% of the population is classified as poor, and a significant number of poor households are headed by women. Women are more likely to suffer from non-communicable illnesses, such as lifestyle diseases; they are also more likely to be affected by communicable illnesses including HIV/AIDS in the 15-24 age group. The rates of reported sexual abuse are substantially higher for girls, and as women age they are more susceptible to all forms of elderly abuse.
Violence against women and girls is a human
rights violation, and a public health issue,
said Minister Reynolds. “It has a direct negative impact on several important health issues, including safe pregnancies, family planning, mental health issues like depression and stress, and the prevention of sexually transmitted infections including HIV/AIDS. It places additional burdens on the public health system, as the tremendous monetary cost associated with addressing violence consumes resources that can be used towards providing other public services, such as education.”
Women’s level of education influences their quality of health and the health of their children as well. Women with low levels of education have limited access to contraception and are less prepared to negotiate safe sex. They are also more vulnerable to sexual exploitation. Myths and taboos regarding femininity, masculinity, and sexuality exacerbate these circumstances.
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