M.A.3rd Sem, KU-Women's Studies, Paper-4, Unit-I (Women Health- Past & Presente) Class Notes
By Dr. Farzeen Unit I: Women’s Health Issues – Past and Present 1. Introduction — Why Study Women’s Health Separately? Women’s health is shaped by both biological and social determinants . Beyond reproduction, it includes nutritional, psychological, occupational, and ageing-related issues . Health inequities arise from patriarchy, poverty, cultural taboos, restricted mobility, and unequal access to healthcare . A life-course perspective is essential — adolescent health impacts reproductive health, which in turn influences women’s mid-life and old age health outcomes. 2. Historical Context of Women’s Health (a) Health and Reproduction in Traditional Societies Women’s health was historically perceived through the biological lens of reproduction and childbearing . Primary focus: fertility, pregnancy, childbirth, and lactation. The identity of women was closely tied to their reproductive roles, often neglecting their overall well-being. (b) Traditio...