I believe choosing Women's health as an elective has been the greatest decision I have made. Even though it was not my first choice I'm glad that my attention was directed to this subject. Since the past two weeks, I have already gained more awareness on Women's health than I anticipated. I had thought that I had already known enough about women's health but little did I know that there is so much more to learn.
In the lecture, we discussed body image problems and where it emerged from, a particular statement that stood out to me was ' most people did not even own mirrors until 1829'. Even though mirrors are very beneficial in today's society, without them would it decrease the imaginary ideals that us women plant into our minds? I believe body image problems is an issue and will always be an issue for females, as some women will always have a sense of dissatisfaction with their bodies. Especially in a society which constantly judges and marginalizes us yet praises appearances. Personally, when I was young I never judged myself on how my body was however as I have grown through the years and being bombarded with societies definition of a 'perfect body' there have been times where I have looked in the mirror and was not satisfied with the reflection I saw. In the lecture, we saw a video about labiaplasty which had me in shock. It was something that I never knew women did or cared enough to undergo surgery for. It reinforced to me that many women everywhere struggle with their body image and will go to great extents to change it. And sometimes after they try to change it, they still won't be fully satisfied. Body image and the goal to have the 'perfect body' is a strained ideal that needs to be put to rest. Every woman is beautiful the way they are no matter their size, weight, skin, height etc. We must not listen to society or the media's expectations but accept and love ourselves for who we are and what we look like. Mimi.
Reflection 2: Week 3- Women in Pop Culture, Advertising and the media
This week’s topic was very interesting to me. In this current generation I am living in, the media and pop culture plays a significant role today. Specifically, on the portrayal of women. We looked at where it all had begun, Eve. A specific text from the book, ‘The Apparel of Women’ caught my eye.
‘Do you not believe that you are (each) an Eve? The sentence of God on this sex of yours lives on even in our times and so it is necessary that the guilt should live on, also. You are the one who opened the door to the Devil, you are the one who first plucked the fruit of the forbidden tree, you are the first who deserted the divine law; you are the one who persuaded him whom the Devil was not strong enough to attack. All too easily you destroyed the image of God, man.’
It appears this view of eve has been placed upon women and insinuated into today’s culture to an extent that people believe it is what defines a woman. I believe this is a negative view of women as it puts a harsh blame of us all. Every woman is different and carries themselves how they want to. I do not want to be judged for another person’s actions just because we are the same sex.
When we look at books and movies such as 50 shades of grey many people don’t realise that they are glorifying domestic abuse towards women. In the movie the male character Christian grey stalks Anna, isolates her from her family and friends and even to the extent that he may have raped her. In one of the scenes Christian turns up uninvited to Anna’s home and attempts to try to seduce Ana, given that that’s pretty much all he ever does. Ana tells him that she doesn’t want sex and would rather talk. “‘No,’ I protest, kicking him off.” But this is Christian Grey. The abusive scum bucket who only considers his own desires. So, upon hearing the woman he claims to care for saying a very definite “no” to sex, he replies with these words: “If you struggle, I’ll tie your feet, too. If you make a noise, Anastasia, I will gag you. Keep quiet. Katherine is probably outside listening, right now.”.
However, when we are reading this or watching the movie we don’t think about it. I must admit, I am guilty of not realising it too. But I do believe it must change because the way pop culture romanticises issues such domestic abuse and deters away from how important and serious it is.
Reflection 3:Week 4- The ‘Right Time’ to Have a Child: Changing Trends in Child Bearing and Rearing
The discussion of when the right time for women to have children have had a lot of debates. While we looked at the introduction of contraception’s, social attitudes of the time, historical events and socio economic status, I could understand how it could have on effect on when a women would decide to have children.
With the religious and philosophical views in the 17th to 19th century that abortion is murder, it made me wonder how tough it would have been for some women. Especially for the women who continued to carry out an abortion illegally. It means they wouldn’t be having the correct medical treatment and complications could occur. I don’t think I could comment on whether abortions are wrong or right because I do have my religious views however, I also think the choice is for the woman to make. Luckily there are more forms of contraceptives available for not only women but for men to protect themselves from STI’S and STD’S. So now it also enables women to have control over their bodies. The topic of Abortion has made me very interested to learn more and I think I may decide to choose it as my topic for my Assessment also, so I can get a better understanding for myself.
Despite how much we have advanced with contraception, many third world countries still face issues with falling pregnant and delivering children. Especially younger girls having children. Usually this is not their choice as they may be pressured to marry at young age while their partner is 3 to 4 times older than their age. This is issue hurts me deeply as I love children and I have younger siblings and I cannot fathom the thought of them being married at the age of 7-12 years. For many girls in third world countries their lives are changed, she will stop her education, her health will be at risk, her future will be put at halt. What people don’t see from a first world perspective is that bearing a child is potentially one of the most dangerous experiences a woman can experience, especially young girls who are physiological incapable of delivering a child. I’m from South Sudan which is in Africa and some girls do marry as young as 16 -18. I’ve always had the thought that ‘what if’. What if I didn’t move to Australia? Would I marry young? Would I have had to go through the pain of having a child at a young age? It’s not something that bothers me, but it does pop up in my mind. However, I’m just thankful for where I am today.
Below is a video of Child mothers in Tanzania, their experience and how it has affected their education and life.
This week we discussed how gender roles in families have changed over the years. I always wondered how we have got to where we are now. In Renaissance families’ women were primarily bearers and reared of kids, keeping domestic hearth, subordinate inferiors of men; custom and prejudice kept them at home. I had found that this has not fully been diminished and is still evident and is currently evident in many countries today. From what I have witnessed in my family I believe gender roles were not fair. My mother would look after the kids and do the domestic household chores at home while my dad would work and rarely help. When I was younger I had thought it was normal but as I have gotten older It’s an issue that I don’t agree with. I believe the household duties should be shared among the two parents. Although I had always thought it was cultural nature. In my culture it mimics the same as the Renaissance families but has changed due to the change in society and as we live in a different country.
Below is a comparison of gender roles in an Afghanistan men and women and how evident their difference of roles is.
Men in Afghanistan
Women in Afghanistan
As with most traditional societies, men are considered the breadwinners and take pride in providing for their families.
Within the family they are expected to be disciplinarians and providers for aged parents.
Men also participate in politics and relationships with outsiders.
The status and power of a girl increases as she moves from child to bride to mother to grandmother.
A successful marriage with many sons is the principal goal of Afghan women, wholeheartedly shared by Afghan men.
Women's nurturing roles are crucial.
Women's work varies from group to group.
Among most settled rural families, women participate in agricultural work only during light harvesting periods
Some are responsible for the production of milk products.
Some specialize in handicrafts such as carpet and felt making.
If there was a shift in gender roles/ labor roles in this situation, I believe it would be fundamental to the women’s health. It would allow for women to take control over their lifestyles, health and finance.
Reflection 5:‘Walking into Doors’: The Impact of Domestic Violence on Women Locally and Globally
Domestic violence.
Domestic violence and emotional abuse are behaviors used by one person in a relationship to control the other. Examples of abuse include:
name-calling or putdowns
keeping a partner from contacting their family or friends
withholding money
stopping a partner from getting or keeping a job
actual or threatened physical harm
sexual assault
stalking
intimidation
Violence can be criminal and includes physical assault (hitting, pushing, shoving, etc.), sexual abuse (unwanted or forced sexual activity), and stalking. Although emotional, psychological and financial abuse are not criminal behaviors, they are forms of abuse and can lead to criminal violence. So, why don’t women just walk away? It sounds simple, but it’s not as easy as that. I’m sure this phrase has been repeatedly expressed to domestic violence victims. I must say I have always thought why they didn’t walk away but I have learnt that there many factors that I now understand. A main factor is fear, it’s so powerful. I’ve learnt that Victims repeatedly emphasise that seeking help or that it would lead to violence or worse to come.
(source: domesticviolence.org)
Below is the link to Danielle Lloyd story, the violent and controlling relationship she stayed in for Love. This story intrigued me because I personally can’t understand how someone could claim to love another person while they’re hurting them and abusing them physically and emotionally.
Reflection 7:Mental Health and Drug/Alcohol Use Amongst Women Across the Ages
This week’s lecture was on Mental health and Drug/Alcohol use amongst women. I appreciate that Mental health is an issue which is being discussed more and not neglected as It is a serious issue. Drug and Alcohol use is a serious issue as it can become very detrimental to an individual’s health.
It was interesting to discuss Hysteria in the historical times. The medical professionals in the historical times were mostly men which annoys me because instead of them thinking women’s bodies were mysterious, they could have taken time to understand how the female body works and their health. These misconceptions of women’s health have been changed through the years by men and social constructs. Which is why the connection between mental health issues and alcohol and drug abuse still continuous and develops today.
Another thing which stood out to me was:
Women were more likely than men to report the symptoms of anxiety disorders during the previous twelve-months (18% of women compared to 11% of men)
When I was younger I never understood what anxiety really meant. I would hear people say ‘I have anxiety’ but never knew it an actual thing. Now that I look back I’ve realised that I have been faced with anxiety in my lifetime, but I never talked about to anyone else.
Reflection 8:The Fashion Industry and Body Image: Impact on Women’s Health
‘I want to look like Barbie’.
This week’s lecture we examined how the fashion industry has an effect on women’s body image. Here is what I think.
In today’s society the ideal body image for women look like this,
- Large breast
- Unbelievably small waist
- Large butt
- Perfect nose
- Enhanced lips
- Perfect, perfect, perfect.
- How to achieve? Surgery!!
Where did this even stem from? Now I don’t want to put all the blame on the Kardashians but I do believe they have contributed to selling this ideal body type dream. A particular thing which the Kardashian have been known for are their slim waists, which is supposedly to be achieved by waist training. The idea is to wear a corset for a certain amount of time every day, and eventually, your body "moulds" itself into a slimmer figure. This is has also been promoted through Barbie dolls which has a large influence on children and Adults. The issue with this is it causes harm to women and young girls. It influences them to think that this is what the ‘ideal’ body type should look like. by participating in this trend to lose weight girls are posing a risk to their own health. The product crushes your internal organs as they pull your waist in, compresses lungs (making it difficult to breathe) and can fracture ribs. On top of this they are confirmed not to work as a weight losing device long term.
Below is a link and Image of a woman who removed six of her ribs to have a 14 inch waist just like Barbie.
Reflection 9:The Health of Australian Indigenous Women: What are the Key Challenges?
This week’s lecture we discussed the health of Indigenous women and the key challenges they face. Firstly, I believe this is a topic which is not often discussed and deserves more recognition. When I had seen the statistics which were shown, indicating the different diseases and causes of death between indigenous and non-indigenous individuals, I was very shocked. It showed that indigenous death rate was significantly higher than non-indigenous. I wondered, what is the cause of this? Also the issues which affected indigenous women are largely social and historical in context. It’s sad to see how historical events are still affecting indigenous women today. I always find it great understanding and learning more about Indigenous people because I feel as though we should be taught more.
‘But you don’t look Aboriginal’.
This really stood out to me because I can somewhat relate to this from my personal different situation. It would leave many of someone to feel vulnerable, like they don’t belong which could affect their mental health and their sense of belonging.
Reflection 10:The Social Construction of Sexual Relationships: Impact on Women’s Health
Is there too much Sex??
In the western culture we see that it has been filled with representations of sex, in movies, songs and advertisements. Basically, we are beginning to live in a sexualised culture where sex has become mainstream and normal. But it is a good or bad? There are different views. There is the public morals position, feminist position and then there is the optimistic view, which represents the freedom and choice. When I was younger seeing sexualised things which society shows, I always thought was crazy. That it was not right, it was too much and should be hush. Whereas today I feel as though it doesn’t bother me as much because it is very normalised and has become mainstream. I’m not too sure on where I stand officially but I don’t think everything needs to be sexualised today.
Reflection 11:Healthy Ageing for Women
This week’s lecture we discussed the issues for women during menopause and the impact that breast cancer, osteoporosis and cardio-vascular disease have on women from midlife and beyond. It’s not a secret that women do face many challenges as they age, I had not considered the risk factors which play a significant role. In the slides I had noticed that not only smoking and obesity are key risk factors, but also high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes were leading risk factors for heart disease. Many women may also not be aware that diabetes is a greater risk factor for women than men and that the risk of heart disease significantly rises after menopause. This shows that women and men must understand these risk factors and try to improve their lifestyle in order to remain Healthy as one ages.
Reflection 1: Week 2 - Women's Amazing Bodies
I believe choosing Women's health as an elective has been the greatest decision I have made. Even though it was not my first choice I'm glad that my attention was directed to this subject. Since the past two weeks, I have already gained more awareness on Women's health than I anticipated. I had thought that I had already known enough about women's health but little did I know that there is so much more to learn.In the lecture, we discussed body image problems and where it emerged from, a particular statement that stood out to me was ' most people did not even own mirrors until 1829'. Even though mirrors are very beneficial in today's society, without them would it decrease the imaginary ideals that us women plant into our minds? I believe body image problems is an issue and will always be an issue for females, as some women will always have a sense of dissatisfaction with their bodies. Especially in a society which constantly judges and marginalizes us yet praises appearances. Personally, when I was young I never judged myself on how my body was however as I have grown through the years and being bombarded with societies definition of a 'perfect body' there have been times where I have looked in the mirror and was not satisfied with the reflection I saw. In the lecture, we saw a video about labiaplasty which had me in shock. It was something that I never knew women did or cared enough to undergo surgery for. It reinforced to me that many women everywhere struggle with their body image and will go to great extents to change it. And sometimes after they try to change it, they still won't be fully satisfied. Body image and the goal to have the 'perfect body' is a strained ideal that needs to be put to rest. Every woman is beautiful the way they are no matter their size, weight, skin, height etc. We must not listen to society or the media's expectations but accept and love ourselves for who we are and what we look like.
Mimi.
Reflection 2: Week 3- Women in Pop Culture, Advertising and the media
This week’s topic was very interesting to me. In this current generation I am living in, the media and pop culture plays a significant role today. Specifically, on the portrayal of women. We looked at where it all had begun, Eve. A specific text from the book, ‘The Apparel of Women’ caught my eye.
‘Do you not believe that you are (each) an Eve? The sentence of God on this sex of yours lives on even in our times and so it is necessary that the guilt should live on, also. You are the one who opened the door to the Devil, you are the one who first plucked the fruit of the forbidden tree, you are the first who deserted the divine law; you are the one who persuaded him whom the Devil was not strong enough to attack. All too easily you destroyed the image of God, man.’
It appears this view of eve has been placed upon women and insinuated into today’s culture to an extent that people believe it is what defines a woman. I believe this is a negative view of women as it puts a harsh blame of us all. Every woman is different and carries themselves how they want to. I do not want to be judged for another person’s actions just because we are the same sex.
When we look at books and movies such as 50 shades of grey many people don’t realise that they are glorifying domestic abuse towards women. In the movie the male character Christian grey stalks Anna, isolates her from her family and friends and even to the extent that he may have raped her. In one of the scenes Christian turns up uninvited to Anna’s home and attempts to try to seduce Ana, given that that’s pretty much all he ever does. Ana tells him that she doesn’t want sex and would rather talk. “‘No,’ I protest, kicking him off.” But this is Christian Grey. The abusive scum bucket who only considers his own desires. So, upon hearing the woman he claims to care for saying a very definite “no” to sex, he replies with these words: “If you struggle, I’ll tie your feet, too. If you make a noise, Anastasia, I will gag you. Keep quiet. Katherine is probably outside listening, right now.”.
However, when we are reading this or watching the movie we don’t think about it. I must admit, I am guilty of not realising it too. But I do believe it must change because the way pop culture romanticises issues such domestic abuse and deters away from how important and serious it is.
Reflection 3: Week 4- The ‘Right Time’ to Have a Child: Changing Trends in Child Bearing and Rearing
The discussion of when the right time for women to have children have had a lot of debates. While we looked at the introduction of contraception’s, social attitudes of the time, historical events and socio economic status, I could understand how it could have on effect on when a women would decide to have children.With the religious and philosophical views in the 17th to 19th century that abortion is murder, it made me wonder how tough it would have been for some women. Especially for the women who continued to carry out an abortion illegally. It means they wouldn’t be having the correct medical treatment and complications could occur. I don’t think I could comment on whether abortions are wrong or right because I do have my religious views however, I also think the choice is for the woman to make. Luckily there are more forms of contraceptives available for not only women but for men to protect themselves from STI’S and STD’S. So now it also enables women to have control over their bodies. The topic of Abortion has made me very interested to learn more and I think I may decide to choose it as my topic for my Assessment also, so I can get a better understanding for myself.
Despite how much we have advanced with contraception, many third world countries still face issues with falling pregnant and delivering children. Especially younger girls having children. Usually this is not their choice as they may be pressured to marry at young age while their partner is 3 to 4 times older than their age. This is issue hurts me deeply as I love children and I have younger siblings and I cannot fathom the thought of them being married at the age of 7-12 years. For many girls in third world countries their lives are changed, she will stop her education, her health will be at risk, her future will be put at halt. What people don’t see from a first world perspective is that bearing a child is potentially one of the most dangerous experiences a woman can experience, especially young girls who are physiological incapable of delivering a child. I’m from South Sudan which is in Africa and some girls do marry as young as 16 -18. I’ve always had the thought that ‘what if’. What if I didn’t move to Australia? Would I marry young? Would I have had to go through the pain of having a child at a young age? It’s not something that bothers me, but it does pop up in my mind. However, I’m just thankful for where I am today.
Below is a video of Child mothers in Tanzania, their experience and how it has affected their education and life.
Child Pregnancy in Tanzania
Reflection 4: Gender and Work: How Does it Work?
This week we discussed how gender roles in families have changed over the years. I always wondered how we have got to where we are now. In Renaissance families’ women were primarily bearers and reared of kids, keeping domestic hearth, subordinate inferiors of men; custom and prejudice kept them at home. I had found that this has not fully been diminished and is still evident and is currently evident in many countries today. From what I have witnessed in my family I believe gender roles were not fair. My mother would look after the kids and do the domestic household chores at home while my dad would work and rarely help. When I was younger I had thought it was normal but as I have gotten older It’s an issue that I don’t agree with. I believe the household duties should be shared among the two parents. Although I had always thought it was cultural nature. In my culture it mimics the same as the Renaissance families but has changed due to the change in society and as we live in a different country.Below is a comparison of gender roles in an Afghanistan men and women and how evident their difference of roles is.
If there was a shift in gender roles/ labor roles in this situation, I believe it would be fundamental to the women’s health. It would allow for women to take control over their lifestyles, health and finance.
Reflection 5:‘Walking into Doors’: The Impact of Domestic Violence on Women Locally and Globally
Domestic violence.
Examples of abuse include:
Violence can be criminal and includes physical assault (hitting, pushing, shoving, etc.), sexual abuse (unwanted or forced sexual activity), and stalking. Although emotional, psychological and financial abuse are not criminal behaviors, they are forms of abuse and can lead to criminal violence.
So, why don’t women just walk away? It sounds simple, but it’s not as easy as that. I’m sure this phrase has been repeatedly expressed to domestic violence victims. I must say I have always thought why they didn’t walk away but I have learnt that there many factors that I now understand. A main factor is fear, it’s so powerful. I’ve learnt that Victims repeatedly emphasise that seeking help or that it would lead to violence or worse to come.
(source: domesticviolence.org)
Below is the link to Danielle Lloyd story, the violent and controlling relationship she stayed in for Love. This story intrigued me because I personally can’t understand how someone could claim to love another person while they’re hurting them and abusing them physically and emotionally.
Dangerous Love (Domestic Abuse Documentary)
Links to Domestic violence support:
http://www.bdvs.org.au/
https://www.qld.gov.au/community/getting-support-health-social-issue/counselling-support-advice
http://www.domesticviolence.com.au/pages/domestic-and-family-violence-support-services.php
Reflection 7:Mental Health and Drug/Alcohol Use Amongst Women Across the Ages
This week’s lecture was on Mental health and Drug/Alcohol use amongst women. I appreciate that Mental health is an issue which is being discussed more and not neglected as It is a serious issue. Drug and Alcohol use is a serious issue as it can become very detrimental to an individual’s health.It was interesting to discuss Hysteria in the historical times. The medical professionals in the historical times were mostly men which annoys me because instead of them thinking women’s bodies were mysterious, they could have taken time to understand how the female body works and their health. These misconceptions of women’s health have been changed through the years by men and social constructs. Which is why the connection between mental health issues and alcohol and drug abuse still continuous and develops today.
Another thing which stood out to me was:
Women were more likely than men to report the symptoms of anxiety disorders during the previous twelve-months (18% of women compared to 11% of men)
When I was younger I never understood what anxiety really meant. I would hear people say ‘I have anxiety’ but never knew it an actual thing. Now that I look back I’ve realised that I have been faced with anxiety in my lifetime, but I never talked about to anyone else.
Reflection 8: The Fashion Industry and Body Image: Impact on Women’s Health
‘I want to look like Barbie’.
This week’s lecture we examined how the fashion industry has an effect on women’s body image. Here is what I think.
In today’s society the ideal body image for women look like this,
- Large breast
- Unbelievably small waist
- Large butt
- Perfect nose
- Enhanced lips
- Perfect, perfect, perfect.
- How to achieve? Surgery!!
Where did this even stem from? Now I don’t want to put all the blame on the Kardashians but I do believe they have contributed to selling this ideal body type dream. A particular thing which the Kardashian have been known for are their slim waists, which is supposedly to be achieved by waist training. The idea is to wear a corset for a certain amount of time every day, and eventually, your body "moulds" itself into a slimmer figure. This is has also been promoted through Barbie dolls which has a large influence on children and Adults. The issue with this is it causes harm to women and young girls. It influences them to think that this is what the ‘ideal’ body type should look like. by participating in this trend to lose weight girls are posing a risk to their own health. The product crushes your internal organs as they pull your waist in, compresses lungs (making it difficult to breathe) and can fracture ribs. On top of this they are confirmed not to work as a weight losing device long term.
Below is a link and Image of a woman who removed six of her ribs to have a 14 inch waist just like Barbie.
Woman Has Six Ribs Removed in Quest for 14-Inch Waist
Reflection 9:The Health of Australian Indigenous Women: What are the Key Challenges?
This week’s lecture we discussed the health of Indigenous women and the key challenges they face. Firstly, I believe this is a topic which is not often discussed and deserves more recognition. When I had seen the statistics which were shown, indicating the different diseases and causes of death between indigenous and non-indigenous individuals, I was very shocked. It showed that indigenous death rate was significantly higher than non-indigenous. I wondered, what is the cause of this? Also the issues which affected indigenous women are largely social and historical in context. It’s sad to see how historical events are still affecting indigenous women today. I always find it great understanding and learning more about Indigenous people because I feel as though we should be taught more.‘But you don’t look Aboriginal’.
This really stood out to me because I can somewhat relate to this from my personal different situation. It would leave many of someone to feel vulnerable, like they don’t belong which could affect their mental health and their sense of belonging.
Reflection 10:The Social Construction of Sexual Relationships: Impact on Women’s Health
Is there too much Sex??In the western culture we see that it has been filled with representations of sex, in movies, songs and advertisements. Basically, we are beginning to live in a sexualised culture where sex has become mainstream and normal. But it is a good or bad? There are different views. There is the public morals position, feminist position and then there is the optimistic view, which represents the freedom and choice.
When I was younger seeing sexualised things which society shows, I always thought was crazy. That it was not right, it was too much and should be hush. Whereas today I feel as though it doesn’t bother me as much because it is very normalised and has become mainstream. I’m not too sure on where I stand officially but I don’t think everything needs to be sexualised today.
Reflection 11: Healthy Ageing for Women
This week’s lecture we discussed the issues for women during menopause and the impact that breast cancer, osteoporosis and cardio-vascular disease have on women from midlife and beyond. It’s not a secret that women do face many challenges as they age, I had not considered the risk factors which play a significant role. In the slides I had noticed that not only smoking and obesity are key risk factors, but also high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes were leading risk factors for heart disease. Many women may also not be aware that diabetes is a greater risk factor for women than men and that the risk of heart disease significantly rises after menopause. This shows that women and men must understand these risk factors and try to improve their lifestyle in order to remain Healthy as one ages.