Gender discrimination and women

Is depression, anxiety, eating and bipolar illnesses the only facts involved when it come to the mental health of women? There are several other factors that come into play when dealing with mental health. The burden of mental disorders is usually greater in females compared to males due to hormonal differences, vulnerability to female specific medical illnesses, reproductive risks, psychiatric disorders like postnatal depression and sexual violence. One other factor that affects the mental health of women is gender discrimination. This issue receives less attention compared to biological factors.

Gender discrimination, often referred to as gender disadvantage or inequalities is an unequal or disadvantageous treatment of an individual or groups of individuals based on gender. This includes discrimination in the workplace, restrictions on clothing, disfavoring someone based on gender and the gender gap. These forms of gender discrimination cause not only a strain in physical health, but mental health as well. Discrimination often exists when societal norms and attitudes stipulate that women should hold a subordinate position, leading women to hold a minority status within a society.

Effects of Discrimination on Women’s Mental Health

·       Limited access to employment opportunities

·       Limited access to quality health care

·       Low self esteem

·       Minority statues leads to discrimination which in turn causes stress

·       Perceived gender discrimination has been associated with psychiatric disorders including depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.

To conclude, more efforts should be taken to reduce discrimination of gender by raising awareness to this issue, putting women in positions of power, development of policies against discrimination and the promotion of gender equality.