Women's Health in the Context of Migration and War

Abstract

Although wars appear to be a preventable public health problem, contrary to what is believed in modern society, wars and the violence they bring have not diminished; on the contrary, they have increased significantly and have become a gigantic problem for humanity as a whole. In situations where violence such as war dominates, vulnerable groups are more at risk. Children, women and the elderly are the most vulnerable to the effects of violence. In addition, women, who have a more disadvantaged social status than men, are more likely to experience gender-based discrimination in areas such as access to opportunities, distribution of resources and access to services. On the other hand, 47 per cent of all refugees and 50 per cent of asylum seekers and displaced persons in the world are women and girls. This situation shows that women are more affected by the phenomenon of migration, which has political, social, cultural and economic consequences for societies and individuals. Violence against women can take many forms: abuse (physical, sexual or emotional), trafficking, harassment, forced sex work, traditional practices such as early or forced child marriage, female genital mutilation, honour killings, systematic sexual abuse in war zones and armed conflicts. On the basis of all this, it is necessary to increase the level of education of women and to enable them to benefit effectively from health services, as well as to improve their economic situation and prevent their poverty. In addition, legal provisions for women's rights should be implemented, women's status in the public sphere should be enhanced, conflicts in countries and regions should be resolved, and an environment of peace and tranquillity should be created to ensure women's participation at both the decision-making and implementation levels. In this context, our review will include violence against women and its implications for health from a public health perspective, and women's health will be discussed in the context of war and migration.