Why are Women’s Health Centres Important?

Women are more socially disadvantaged than men in terms of poverty, education and power and socially disadvantaged people are more likely to become ill. Additionally, women have particular sexual and reproductive health needs in pregnancy, puberty, childbirth and menopause.

Women are more likely to use health services because of their role as carers of children, older people, disabled people and the extra strain this places on their health. It is well known that women are more likely to experience ill health because of the stress placed on parents who leave paid employment at the end of one shift and then immediately begin their second shift as being primarily responsible for child care and housework.