Global Women Health

RUNNING HEAD: Global Women Health 0
Global Women Health
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Global Women Health 1
Introduction
Australia is a self-governing country includes six states and two territories and is one of the
world’s greatest economies. Australia is the six largest country by land area. The wellbeing of
women of the country ranks 17 in the world according to the New Global Women, Peace and
Security (WPS) Index. The country has focused on the health care centres to improve the life
expectancy of people. Women in Australia have better health when it’s compared to other
countries. But the condition is not that pleasant as it seems. Women are facing many health
issues such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Breast cancer is the most common among
all. Mental health is also deteriorating. Women are also facing disorders in the case of
obstetrics and gynaecology. Social determinants impact on the health of women. Strategies
are also made by the government to bring positive change on the health of women. The
government keeps on evaluating these strategies so that changes can be made accordingly.
Women’s health and SDH issues
The Australian government has introduced health policies like Medicare; it has helped people
to manage their finance in such a way that healthcare cost can be managed. Medicare was
introduced in 1984 which provides free treatment in hospitals and subsidies. Australia is in
better position when it’s women health is compared to other countries. The life expectancy of
Australians ranks tenth at the time of birth. Women have a higher life expectancy in Australia
when it’s compared to men. It is also proved that women live almost 7 years longer than men.
But other than this there are many concerns in the country related to health which are
alarming.
The health challenges cardiovascular disease such as heart disease and stroke is causing
death in women. This is the common disease among all Australian women. However women
tend to live more even with diseases (Palacios & Gonzalez, 2014).
There are different types of cancers also which affects women health. Breast cancer is the
common cancer among them. Colon, lung and skin cancer are also affecting huge number of
women. Breast cancer is more likely to be cause of death than other cardiovascular diseases
(Torre, et. al., 2015).
Women are also affected by the cardiovascular disorders as well as males. It is also
considered the most worried disorder by the nation. Suicide is also the cause of mental
illness. A report also shows that 209.8 deaths are the reason of heart attack and vascular

Global Women Health 2
disease per 100000 females of the country. Obesity is also the reason behind development of
heart disorders (Gulland, 2016).
Social determinants of health are the conditions in which a person takes birth, develops, lives,
learn and does work. All the factors mentioned are responsible for health and safety of
individuals. Important social determinants of health are poverty and socio economic status.
Social determinants of health are divided in two sectors, macro level and micro level
(Stenberg, et. al., 2014). Macro level helps in recognising economic system and various
structures which have impact on health. Micro level helps in identifying relationship between
socio economic status of women and her mental and physical health. Violence and
discrimination are also the social determinants of health which affects to women. Violence
takes place in many forms such as gang rape, prostitution, female genital mutilation and
human trafficking. According to a study, 59% of homeless women face unwanted sex in
Australia. Gender pay gap is also another important social determinant of health in Australia.
Unequal pays and pay gaps results in anxiety and depression among women. Many medical
insurances and community health programs are introduced by the Australian government
which helps to handle different female problems. The National Health Policy was also
introduced to improve the health of Australian women. The health care services in Australia
are efficient and provide the best care and quality life (Fowkes, et. al., 2013).
Strategies like to bring positive change for women’s health
Gender equality and women’s empowerment strategy: Gender equality is all about equal
opportunities for both men and women. Gender inequality prevails due to discrimination
found between men and women at workplace. It is a major issue in Australia. Gender equality
gives equal opportunities, rights and responsibilities to women and men. It aims to address
norms which constrain the performance of women and promotes economic growth. This
strategy establishes three priorities; it enhances voice of women in decision making,
encourages economic empowerment and ends violence. It promotes equal employment
opportunities and promotes zero tolerance approach to stop violence at workplace. Women
could increase their income as gender equality helps in removing gender gap.
Western Australian Women’s Health Strategy 2013-2017: This strategy aims to improve
the health of western Australian women which are at most risk of poor health outcomes.
These outcomes identify the need of women according to their age, psychological and
economic circumstances. Women are prioritised who are at the highest risk of poor health.