Inaccessibility to public health services is not merely a general international security issue. It is personal. As a woman, this writer has never felt fully secure regarding health. As she realized her hair-raising experiences of menstruation due to sleep deprivation were never taken seriously by society, this writer believed that the International Health Security failed to consider women and the gendered impact of health issues due to a patriarchal system as its root. Patriarchy perpetuates gender inequality, leading to health vulnerability that includes discriminatory norms, biases in health systems and research, and the imposition of gendered roles that restrict women’s autonomy over their bodies (Team, 2023). Therefore, this writer seeks to understand why gendered health issues are prominent international security issues through the lens of Feminist Security Studies (FSS).
FSS approaches health issues with the question: how does gender influence international security? In this case, it explains how health issues intersect with broader security concerns such as health emergencies, gender-based violence, and disruptions in healthcare services (Fleischman, 2021). It sheds light on structural inequalities and vulnerabilities that women face. FSS emphasizes gender equality in analyzing why health issues are a security issue for women (Wenham, 2021). FSS pushes the need for gender-sensitive approaches in International health security strategy. By this, Feminist Security Study is a valuable tool to truly comprehend women’s roles as the most affected by security concerns and as active actors or agents.
Health was initially considered a security issue because of International awareness of infectious disease outbreaks and pandemics, leading to threats to national security and global stability (Kargbo, 2018). However, this writer argues that, equally, the little things matter. Personal and more specific issues should be given more light. To feel safe and secure, one must feel good and content about oneself, whether mentally or physically. This feeling could only be pursued if gendered health issues are considered in the talk of security studies.
Addressing the day-to-day challenges that disproportionately affect women, such as access to menstrual hygiene products, maternal health care, and mental health support tailored to women’s experiences, is crucial. These seemingly small issues are not just matters of personal comfort but are fundamental to women’s overall well-being and sense of security. This feeling of security could only be pursued if women received enough rest and energy. However, the idea of a perfect sleep schedule has yet to exist for women. It is understood that many professionals, even the World Health Organization, have suggested that adults sleep seven to nine hours per/day (Kline, 2013). However, most trials and experiments to conclude such generalized assumptions were done on men rather than women (Oshea, 2024). Women need at least nine hours of sleep and ten during menstruation (Burgard & Ailshire, 2013). Women are even proven to spend more time in deep sleep and less in light sleep than men (Yates, 2023). It has also been shown that women tend to experience more sleep fragmentation and lower-quality sleep (Suni, 2018). This writer assumes that that may be an attempt to compensate for reduced sleep quality. Without adequate sleep, women cannot heal cortisol levels, maintain gut health, promote skin regeneration, or regulate metabolism (Oshea, 2024). Worse, women’s menstruation cycles and premenstrual syndrome (PMS) are also affected by sleep deprivation, as hormonal imbalances exacerbate these conditions (Nicole, 2023).
So, a question pops up in this writer’s head: Why doesn’t this information make headlines?
Information is empowering: information about one’s body and how to properly treat it. Sadly, such biases in information are perpetuated by patriarchy. The neglect of crucial information about women’s health in mainstream headlines can be attributed to biases and systemic barriers within both media representation and medical research. The media prioritizes stories that align with dominant societal narratives and interests, centered on male experiences and perspectives. This bias not only skews public perception but also perpetuates the misconception that women’s health issues are niche or less significant. Consequently, topics such as the impact of sleep deprivation on women’s health, menstrual health disparities, or gender-specific hormonal influences are overlooked.
This writer argues that the general health system is designed based on men’s experiences and needs, leading to a one-size-fits-all approach that is detrimental to women’s health. The underrepresentation of women in clinical trials and medical research worsens this issue. Many studies traditionally focus on male participants, leading to a lack of comprehensive data on how various health conditions manifest differently in women. Hence, there is a possibility of misdiagnosis and undertreatment of women’s specific needs. This underrepresentation of women in clinical trials and research leads to inadequate treatment options and, therefore, a lack of information on women’s health needs. This perpetuates a cycle that reinforces the belief that women’s health concerns are not universally relevant. And these little things matter.
Additionally, societal stigma surrounding women’s bodies and health experiences plays a role. Discussions about menstruation, menopause, or reproductive health are often sidelined, contributing to a broader cultural silence around these issues. Consequently, reports on topics that challenge these taboos or are perceived as too intimate or sensitive for mainstream consumption.
In conclusion, the lack of prominence for women’s health information in headlines stems from media biases, inadequate research representation, and societal norms. At the same time, the feeling of security could only be pursued if women received equal treatment. Health insecurity has become an unresolved issue due to this hidden root. Therefore, an urgent need is to reorient the international health system from privileging men’s dominance through inequality. Instead, we should advance towards systems that privilege health and well-being. Health issues are not only a matter of accessibility to vaccines or menstruation products. The little things matter, and it starts there. Women need access and support in such a fragile society–starting with equal information. To indeed be secure is to be healthy. And to be healthy, there needs to be equality.
