ADVOCACY & POLICY ADVICE
Women and Health Reform Working Group Report
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PROGRAMS & SERVICES: ADVOCACY & POLICY ADVICE Women and Health Reform Working Group Report |
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Appendix 3: Annotated Bibliography of Health Reform Policy Documents and Resources Beyond Prescriptions - Meeting Your Health Needs Author: Women's Network Inc. PEI Published: 1997, Box 233, Charlottetown, PEI C1A 7K4 Length: 91 pages English Summary: This workbook was prepared for the Health Education in Plain Language Project of the Women's Network to be used in classrooms, by support groups or by individuals. The workbook is clearly written with key concepts about health and the determinants of health well defined and identified. Text is enhanced through word, thought and visual exercises to emphasize points and provide possible areas for personal or group reflection. The workbook includes four chapters or focus areas which range from personal health to healthy communities: you are a whole person; what makes you healthy; making a health plan; and supporting your health. They can be used separately or together depending on the focus of the users of the book. Canada Health Action: Building on the Legacy Author: Final Report of the National Forum on Health Published: 1997 Length: 34 pages Summary: The National Forum on Health was launched in 1994 to involve and inform Canadians and to advise the federal government on innovative ways to improve Canada's health care system. This report provides recommendations and advice on the health care and reforms. It is based on 3 beliefs: that the health care system is basically sound; that Canada spends enough money on health care; and that the system can be improved. It states a list of features of the health care system that must be preserved, acknowledges that Medicare must adapt to new realities and provides some recommendations for transition. Canada Health Action: Building on the Legacy Author: Final Report of the National Forum on Health Published: 1997 Length: 34 pages Summary: The National Forum on Health was launched in 1994 to involve and inform Canadians and to advise the federal government on innovative ways to improve Canada's health care system. This report provides recommendations and advice on the health care and reforms. It is based on 3 beliefs: that the health care system is basically sound; that Canada spends enough money on health care; and that the system can be improved. It states a list of features of the health care system that must be preserved, acknowledges that Medicare must adapt to new realities and provides some recommendations for transition. Canada Health Action: Building on the Legacy Volume II: Synthesis Reports and Issues Papers (An Overview of Women's Health) Author: National Forum on Health Published: 1997, National Forum on Health, Minister of Works and Government Services Length: Overview of Women's Health: 22 pages English Summary: Canada Health Action: Building on the Legacy represents the final reports and papers to come out of the National Forum on Health launched in October, 1994. Women's health was absent from the four key focus areas which were identified as: values; striking a balance; determinants of health; and evidence-based decision making. The Overview of Women's Health section is an issues paper on women's health was commissioned for the determinants of health working group. The document includes detailed discussion of the impact of gender on working, health, and the impact of other factors such as lone-parent status and Aboriginal or immigrant status. Health services, health care reform and health policy are discussed with respect to gender. Women in Canada are identifies as having more equality than other women outside of Canada. Despite this, Canadian women do experience inequality in the level of violence against women and the disparate workloads that women encounter in intimate and family relationships. Women's pay and benefits are not equal to men's in the workplace and women have higher rates of part-time and low level work. Female-specific diseases are under attended to in health research, research done with male subjects is generalized to female populations, and natural female reproductive processes are over-medicalized. In keeping with the ideals of population health, women's health is identified as "critically and intimately related to the conditions under which they live, learn, work and play". Canada Health Action: Building on the Legacy Volume II: Synthesis Reports and Issues Papers (Determinants of Health Working Group Synthesis Report) Author: National Forum on Health Published: 1997, National Forum on Health, Minister of Works and Government Services Length: 61 pages English Summary: This is the synthesis report of the Determinants of Health Working Group of the National Forum of Health. The Overview of Women's Health Issue Paper was commissioned for this group. The discussion focuses on the many determinants of health including socioeconomic status, employment issues, healthy childhood and community/family support. Only limited reference is given to gender differences in the overview basically indicating a need for further quantitative and qualitative research. Limited references to gender differences in various areas throughout the detailed discussions. Policy recommendations to support families include employment polices that are supportive of families such as flexible hours, work sharing, extended maternity leave, paternity leave, day care or elder care, unpaid leave, caregiving time and family leave; and pro-child taxation policies. Support is given to the establishment of Centres of Excellence for Women's Health and their mandate to develop partnerships and participatory research among community-based women's health groups. The recommendation is also made for health impact analysis of all government economic policies. Canada-USA Women's Health Forum: a series of 2 page fact sheets prepared for the Forum Author: Health Canada Published June 1996 Available in English and French The Health of Senior Women, Violence Against Women, Women and Active Living, Women and, Alcohol and Other Drugs, Women and Breast Cancer, Women and Health Services, Women and Heart Health, Women and HIV Infection and AIDs, Women and Mental Health, Women and Tobacco Centres of Excellence for Women's Health Program Author: Health Canada Published: July 1996 Length: 4 pages (also available in French) Summary: A description of the CEWHP including highlights, background, program information, budgets, the selection process, the Canadian Women's Health Network's involvement, and a paragraph on each of the 5 centres. One in a series of fact sheets prepared for the Canada-USA Women's Health Forum. Community Health Centres: The Better Way to Health Reform Author Manitoba Nurse's Union Published: October 1995 Length: 23 pages (Appendices and Executive Summary not included) Community Health Needs Assessment Guidelines Author: Community Health Needs Assessment Working Group, Manitoba Health Program and Operations Consultants, Manitoba Health Evaluation, Manitoba Health Northern and Rural Regionalization Task Force Published: Preliminary Draft, February 1997 Length: 24 pages English Summary: This preliminary draft document was developed as a basic guide to the process for assessing community health needs. The definition of a community health needs assessment, reasons for doing one and expected outcomes are identified. The document presents an eight step process for the assessment and implementation of the assessment findings: 1) Decide what information you need; 2) Review existing health information; 3) Collect the data; 4) Analyze the data to identify community health needs; 5) Assess needs and possible solutions; 6) Reality check with community members; 7) Integrate into the regional health plan and take action; and 8) Plan for on-going monitoring and assessment and evaluation. Gender is not specified as a collection or analysis category. Core Health Services in Manitoba Author: Northern/Rural Regionalization Task Force Published: February, 1997, Manitoba Health Length: 36 pages English, 36 pages French Summary: This document provides guidelines to the services currently offered directly or indirectly by Manitoba Health the responsibility for which will be transferred to the Regional Health Authorities. It is intended to serve as a guideline and planning tool for the Regional Health Authorities. Core health services are defined as "the full range of health services which are currently funded by Manitoba Health and to which all Manitobans must have access". It is indicated however, that this does not mean that all services must be provided in all regions but they must be accessible in another region. There are 10 primary categories for core health services: health promotion/education; health protection; prevention & community heath services; treatment, emergency and diagnostic services; developmental & rehabilitation support services; home based care services; long term care; mental health services; substance abuse/addictions; and palliative care. Guidelines for implementing the core health services including preparation, planning, standards, monitoring & assessment, and accountability are briefly discussed. Discussion Papers from the Fifth National Health Promotion Research Conference From Research to Policy Gender+Health held at Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, July 4-5, 1997. Co-sponsored by Atlantic Health Promotion Research Centre, Dalhousie University and McMaster Research Centre for the Promotion of Women's Health, McMaster University:
Documenting Women's Stories: The Impact of Health Care Reform on Women's Health Author: Anna Bubel & Denise Spitzer, Another Way & Pangaea Consulting Published: Prepared for the Edmonton Women's Health Network, October 1996 Length: Written Report: 32 pages English Photo Novella: 32 pages English Summary: This is summary report outlines an Alberta project looking at the effect of health care reforms on women's lives, identifying any obstacles and opportunities encountered by women, and to make recommendations resulting from these findings. The photo novella supplements the main report and includes the personal or professional stories of the thirty participants (20 individuals and 10 professionals working with women or in health) who were interviewed as a part of the project as well as a photo identified by the participants which symbolizes their experiences. The main report includes discussion of the context for the project, the methodology used and profiles of the participants. Issues and recommendations stemming from individual interviews and group forums are presented including concerns, existing strengths and methods for action. Five major concerns were identified: Money is not allocated to appropriate areas in the health care system. Financial barriers interfere with women's ability to care for themselves and their families. Minority Canadians have difficulty accessing the health care system. Women sense a lack of trust, understanding and support from health professionals. Health care reform has had a negative impact on women's ability to care for themselves and their families. Gender as a Determinant of Health Author: Patricia A. Kaufert Published: Prepared for the Canada-U.S.A. Women's Health Forum held August 8-10, 1996, Ottawa, Canada Length: 9 pages English Summary: Provides an excellent summary of gender issues and the impact of gender on health status. Canadian and International data are combined to examine the impacts of gender on health. Social determinants of health are examined from a gender perspective, including socioeconomic status, social support mechanisms, and employment opportunities. The current need to expand knowledge examining the impact of social policy, and the determinants of health from a gender perspective. Gender-Based Analysis: A Guide for Policy-Making Author: Status of Women Canada Published: March 1996 Length: 30 pages English/30 pages French Summary: Document developed to assist with the implementation of the 1995 federal government policy requiring gender-based analysis of future policies and legislation from federal departments. Provides a review of key concepts, including definitions and background history leading to development of gender-based analysis. Gender defined as relationship between women and men, thus includes both women and men. Equity seen as process of being fair between women and men, equality indicates men and women enjoy same status but recognizes this may not be achieved through providing the same treatment due to differences in life conditions. Gender-based analysis is used to assess the potential differential impact of policies, programs and legislation on both women and men. The policy analysis process is described with eight key steps: 1) identify the issue; 2) define outcomes; 3) define inputs; 4) conduct research; 5) develop/analyze options; 6) recommendations/decision-seeking; 7) communicating policy; 8) assess quality of the analysis. The methodology and each step are discussed in detail and examples are provided to clarify issues. Gender-Based Analysis Backgrounder Author: Women's Bureau, Strategic Policy Branch Published: March 1997, Human Resources Development Canada Length: 27 pages English Summary: This document is intended for use with the Gender-Based Analysis Guide. It provides a context for moving beyond gender-neutral policy development through the recognition of the different life circumstances and opportunities available to different gender groups, visible minorities, aboriginal groups and/or persons with disabilities. Emphasis is on the concept that not only must all people be presented with the same opportunities but they must be able to enjoy the same benefits of these opportunities. Gender-based analysis is clearly discussed using examples and an in-depth discussion of the issues surrounding it's importance. Data is provided throughout which outlines gender-based differences and trends. Resources and phone numbers for more information are listed. Gender-Based Analysis Guide Author: Women's Bureau, Strategic Policy Branch Published: March, 1997, Human Resources Development Canada Length: 11 pages English Summary: This document is intended for use with the Gender-Based Analysis Backgrounder. It provides a listing of gender-analysis steps which are slightly revised from those presented in the March 1996 Gender-Based Analysis: A Guide for Policy-Making developed by Status of Women Canada. The steps are identified as follows: 1) Identifying the issue; 2) Defining desired/anticipated outcomes; 3) Information gathering; 4) Development and analysis of options; 5) Communication; and, 6) Evaluation. Each step is discussed extensively and potential questions to guide or frame the analysis are provided. Gender Lens: A Guide to Gender Inclusive Policy and Program Development Author: Province of British Columbia, Ministry of Women's Equality Published: 1997, Ministry of Women's Equality, B.C. Policy and Evaluation Branch, available from the Internet http.//www.weq.gov.bc.ca/GENERAL/Gender_lens/indexgl.html Summary: Designed to help public sector policy and program developers make well informed decisions by understanding how the lives of women and men are often different. The document lays out a planning cycle for program development. Health Canada Women's Health Forum Focus Group Report Author: Insight Canada Research (prepared for Health Canada) Published: February 1996 Length: 74 pages plus about 50 pages of appendices Summary: A report containing a summary analysis for and description of the results of 11 focus groups held in January, 1996, across Canada. This qualitative study investigates the views of a wide range of Canadian women in preparation for the Canada - USA Women's Health Forum in March 1996. A Planning Framework to Promote, Preserve and Protect the Health of Manitobans Author: Manitoba Health (Manitoba Provincial Government) Published: February 1997 Length: 22 pages (available as bilingual copy, 22 pages each) Summary: A government of Manitoba document designed to layout a framework within which proposals for future changes to the health care of Manitoba can be evaluated. It describes the government's 10 goals of the health care system. It states it represents the current thinking about strategies to improve the health of Manitobans and describes a planning process for putting these ideas and strategies into place. It describes the government's approach to health, and recognizes that factors other than health services contribute to health. It states that delivery and administration must be decentralized. There is an 8-page description of the framework itself, containing background information and some discussion of the factors affecting health and the health care system. Four steps are given for implementing this framework: identifying needs; establishing health goals; developing and implementing policy, programs and services; and monitoring and evaluating impact on health. It is an overview which is broad and which does not prescribe the specifics for the health care reform. That is left in the hands of the Regional Health Authority whose role is to determine what will be changed and what will remain the same. Health Care in New Zealand: A Report Care on Privatization Author: Canadian Broadcasting Corporation: IDEAS, 7 October, 1996 Published: 7 October, 1996 CBC Ideas Transcripts Length: 13 pages English Summary: This transcript of the CBC Television Broadcasting Corporation Program, Ideas, documents the changes that have occurred to New Zealand's health-care system as it moves towards a privatized system in response to budget deficits. These reforms began in 1991 with the release of the document Your Health and the Public Health which outlined the creation of a market that would allow the government to withdraw from providing public health care and allow private markets to provide this care. The program included interviews and comments from several key people involved in developing the new system and those who criticize it. The New Zealand system is briefly compared with the system in Denmark which is public and covers almost all costs and, for nearly 20 years, have held spending constant at around 6 1/2 per cent of GDP which compares with Canada's at 9 1/2 per cent and New Zealand at 7 1/2 per cent. The New Zealand system itself is described, discussing the impacts of waiting lists for funded services and consumer borne costs for prescriptions, private health care and insurance. A parallel was drawn between the loss of social services including health care and increasing community violence and Aboriginal claims for independence in New Zealand, the rational was the government reforms were encouraging individuals to "stand on our own feet and not expect community solidarity and support" thus linking these reforms to social decline and unrest respectively. Partnerships for Health (three separate documents) Author: Women's Network Inc. Published: Women's Network, Box 233, Charlottetown, PEI C1A 7K4 Helping Each Other (18 pages English) This plain language booklet provides a very basic, understandable description of many types of partnerships for health identified in health care reforms. These include visiting and helping a sick friend, making plans to connect socially with friends when needing support, or accessing the health care system for care when sick. Worksheets are provided that readers can work through independently. First Aid Kit (54 pages English) This document uses the framework of promotion, prevention, cure, rehabilitation, and support to provide a plain language discussion of partnerships as a resource for everyday living. The primary focus is on process issues within partnerships: what makes a healthy partnership, dealing with stress and crisis within partnerships, and improving/maintaining partnerships. There is some discussion of small interpersonal partnerships but the document seems to be primarily directed at larger partnership arrangements. Stories About Partnerships for Health (39 pages English) This document summarizes the stories of 11 members of the Partnerships for Health Project Steering Committee as they tell of their experiences of partnership. Many of the principles outlined in the First Aid Kit (detailed above) are indirectly clarified as each story is examined to look at what happened, why, what does it mean, and what can be done now. Both positive and negative experiences are outlined with concrete ideas for how to change or repeat the situation. A Planning Framework to Promote, Preserve and Protect the Health of Manitobans. Author: Manitoba Health Published: February, 1997 Length: 22 pages English, 22 pages French Summary: This document provides a planning framework to revisit the goals identified in Quality Health for Manitobans: The Action Plan and outlines a process to allow the newly forming health regions to integrate these concepts into their health planning. Through presenting the World Health Organization definition of health which focuses on "health as a resource for everyday life...a positive concept emphasizing social and personal resources, as well as physical capacities" (WHO as quoted on p. 3), the document shifts the focus on health from the health care system towards an integrated approach utilizing other social services and individual and community resources. The responsibilities of the new regional health authorities (RHAs) under the new decentralized system are identified. The determinants of health identified by the government are consistent with those identified by Hamilton and Bhatti (also summarized in this document): income and social status; social support networks; education; health services; employment and working conditions; physical environments; biology and genetic endowment; personal health practices and coping skills; and healthy child development. Health is recognized as a result of the interaction among these variables. The required community health assessment process is identified as a tool to allow for community participation and to educate people about the factors impacting on health. The implementation process for this framework is identified with four major steps: identify needs; establish health goals; develop and implement policy, programs and services; and, monitor and evaluation impact on health. Population Health Promotion: An integrated Model of Population Health and Health Promotion Author: Nancy Hamilton and Tariq Bhatti, Health Promotion Development Division 4th Floor, Jeanne Mance Building, Tunney's Pasture, Ottawa, ON K1A 1B4 Published: February, 1996 Length: 17 pages English Summary: In this document, concepts from several key documents in the development of health care determinants and a population-health model are combined including: A New Perspective on the Health of Canadians, Achieving Health for All: A Framework for Health Promotion, The Ottawa Charter on Health Promotion and Strategies for Population Health: Investing in the Health of Canadians. These documents are then synthesized into a combined visual model which is called the Population Health Promotion Model. The determinants of health or the "what" are identified as: income and social status; social support networks; education; working conditions; physical environments; biology and genetics; personal health practices and coping skills, healthy child development; and health services. These impact on and/or are affected by the "who": society; the sector or system (such as government); community; family; and individual. The mechanisms for impacting on these or the "how" are: strengthen community action; build healthy public policy; create supportive environments; develop personal skills; and reorient health services. Visually these items are placed upon a foundation of evidence-based decision making which requires input from research, experiential learning and evaluation. Finally, values and assumptions upon which the model is based are highlighted. The article includes discussions of how the model can be used which are helpful for clarifying the elements and simplifying the visual model (which can appear confusing). Recommendations to Minister of Health on Governance of Health Services Delivery in Northern /Rural Manitoba Author: Northern/Rural Health Advisory Council Published: May, 1995 Length: 21 pages English, 21 pages French Summary: This report provides a summary of the work of the Northern/Rural Health Advisory Council (NRHAC) established by Manitoba Health shortly after the release of the Action Plan in 1992. In this report, the NRHAC have made recommendations to the government on the governance and administrative models for restructuring health care reform in northern and rural Manitoba. This document provides a context for the development of these recommendations through presenting the background and guiding principles/vision. Recommendations are arranged into five groupings: regional health authorities; district health councils; administrative structures; financial considerations; and, timelines. Over 60 recommendations are made and most are identified as either mandatory, advisable or optional. A Renewed Vision for Canada's Health System Author: Conference of Provincial/Territorial Ministers of Health Published: No date given, but post 1996 Length: 12 pages English/12 pages French Summary: Premiers' Council visioning statement about how they envision the restructuring and reformation of health services and the health system in the Provinces. The authors identify three elements to the national health system: diagnosis and treatment of acute illness; continuing care for chronic disease and disabilities; and, health promotion, protection and disease prevention. Unanimous provincial support is presented for maintaining the five principles of the Canada Health Act (universality, accessibility, portability, comprehensiveness and public administration) however it is indicated this is for insured hospital and medical services only (i.e. those covered by the Canada Health Act). They indicate a commitment to other public services, and programs or policies which impact on health, but do not clearly define the nature or extent of this commitment. The need for "A New Working Partnership for Health" is outlined which names stakeholders, care givers, communities, and individuals among others, as people who need the opportunity to become involved as partners but who must clearly understand their roles and accountability. No clear sense of what these are or the nature of the partnerships are provided. An emphasis is on health as a shared responsibility, including increased requirements for individuals and communities to care for each other. Future goals are identified including: sustainability; stable federal funding; improved federal/provincial communication; a mechanism for clarification/interpretation of Canada Health Act through an expert advisory panel; evidence-based decision making (best outcomes in cost-effective manner); and improved management of health funds. Most of these are fiscal in focus and interpretation of the Canada Health Act may allow for an increase in privatized health services. Regionalization and Health Care Policy in Canada: A National Survey and Manitoba Case Study Author: L.C. Carrothers, S.M. MacDonald, J.M. Horme, D.G. Fish, M.M Silver Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Manitoba Published: 1991 A Renewed Vision for Canada's Health System Author: Conference of Provincial/Territorial Ministers of Health Published: No date given, but post 1996 Length: 12 pages of English and 12 pages of French Summary: Premiers' Council visioning statement about how they envision the restructuring and reformation of health services and the health system in the Provinces. Report on the Health of Canadians Author: Federal, Provincial and Territorial Advisory Committee on Population Health Published: September, 1996, Minister of Supply and Services Canada Length: 107 pages English Summary: This federal report provides an extensive review of the health of Canadians which, overall, comes to the conclusion that health is improving. Numerous statistics are presented, some with male/female comparisons and others without. It is interesting to note that Canada ranks as number one on the United Nations Human Development Index for 1992 but slips to ninth when those items (life expectancy, education, income) are gender-adjusted. Male-female differences are presented with a discussion on possible factors impacting on the results which tend to favour males. Interprovincial differences are presented as are selected international differences. Women are identified as being healthier than men based on a longer life span and more years free of disabling health problems. However it is recognized that women are closing the gap and have not seen the improvement in health behaviours seen by men (i.e. decreased rates of smoking). In addition, indirect indicators of women's health such as, socioeconomic status and the rate of low birthweight infants have not changed since the 1980's. Women also do not score as well as men on self-rated measures of health. Those who have higher income, are better educated and are employed are healthier than those who are poor and less educated for both men and women. Children in lone female parent families hover at a around a 60% low income rate versus approximately 20% for all children. Influences on health are discussed including living and working conditions, physical environment, biology and genetic factors, personal health practices, access to health services. Healthy child development, while an integral aspect of those influences is singled out as being of crucial importance. Women's chances of living to age 75 seem to show little variation between the poorest and richest neighbourhoods at about 70-75% while only 50% of men in the poorest neighbourhoods up to 70% in the richest will. Report of the National Institutes of Health: Opportunities for Research on Women's Health Author: Office of Research on Women's Health, National Institutes of Health Published: September 1992 Length: 34 pages Report on Proceedings: Consultation on Women's Health: Community Needs Assessment Project Author: Regina Health District Published: Regina City Hall Forum, December 2, 1993 Length: 27 pages English Summary: This document provides a summary of findings and priority needs identified as a result of a Women's Health Consultation held in Regina. The vast majority of the participants listed were representatives of health services organizations and community organizations directed towards women's services. The following four recommendations received a strong consensus: development of women's health services be based on holistic definition of health and on feminist philosophy and principles; recognize the need for ongoing consultation through establishment of Women's Advisory Committee; services should be provided through community-based women's health centres; and, priority be given to development and implementation of an action plan to address women's health needs. The following key need areas were identified: reproductive health; mental health; violence against women; female acute and chronic health conditions; rural women; and, women with special needs. Road Kill: Women in Alberta's Drive Toward Deficit Elimination Author: Dacks, G., Green, J., & Trimble, L. Published: DRAFT chapter of larger publication-February 13/95, Department of Political Science, University of Alberta Length: 19 pages English Summary: The authors argue that women have been most affected by reforms in Alberta due to the extent of their unpaid home and community work, their economic dependence, and the high rate of employment of women in the "pink collar ghetto". This is presented as stemming directly from the minimum government interventions promoted through neoliberalism ideology and the promotion of hierarchical patriarchal social organization in the neoconservative movement. The vision of the ideal family that stems from these converging ideologies is enforced as women lose their jobs, are financially limited, and are required to engage in caregiving/volunteer activities as services are cut. Women are particularly vulnerable to deficit reduction measures as fewer women than men have full time jobs and instead work on a casual, contract, or part-time basis which are more insecure and frequently do not provide benefits. Women have benefitted from government initiatives in the 1970's & 80's designed to address these disadvantages such as the development of departments which deal specifically with women's issues, subsidies for child care, and social services departments. As many women receive the benefits from these programs and many are also employed within these programs, the current imposition of deficit reduction in government departments impacts greatly on women. Current data are presented which outline differences in employment and economic status. Impacts are discussed and suggestions for more supportive policy directions are outlined including recognition of diverse family make-up, higher minimum wage, pay and employment equity, support for single mothers, improved social assistance benefits, increased eligibility for pension funds, ending user fees for health services, improved day care and banning of for profit facilities, reinstatement of kindergarten funding, and improved maintenance enforcement programs. Strategy for Health Author: Canadian International Development Agency Published: November, 1996 Length: 18 pages English, 18 pages French Summary: This document outlines Canadian Foreign Policy with respect to poverty reduction and the provision of basic human needs. Canada's role in developing countries and the issues affecting the developing nations overall are outlined. The full participation of women as equal partners in the sustainable development of their societies is outlined as a program priority for Canada's official development assistance program. Women's health is identified as an area that has shown little progress and is critical as the health of women impacts on the health of their communities and families. Primary concern areas identified are: reproductive health including maternal mortality; violence against women; female genital mutilation; and gender inequality in access to education, health services, and employment. Gender inequity is identified as a determinant of health in developing countries. Improving women's health and reproductive health is identified along with supporting sustainable national health systems as the two top health priorities for CIDA. Women's Health Framework Document (title in Development) Author: Manitoba Health As promised from 1996 Throne Speech, Manitoba Legislature Published: To be released Spring 1997 Women and Health Service Delivery in Canada: A Canadian Perspective Authors: Sari Tudiver, Madelyn Hall Women and Health Forum Published: August 8 1996 Length: 48 pages Women's Health Strategy - Health Canada Author: Health Canada Published: Spring 1997 release Status of Women Canada Gender analysis document Length: 19 pages Women and Health in Peel: Directions for Local Action Author: Women's Health Task Force, Peel District Health Council Published: June 1994 Length: 20 pages English Summary: This document provides a framework based on women-centered principles to guide health reforms and health services development. It was developed by the Women's Health Task Force established in January 1990 by the Peel District Health Council. This framework was developed using a participatory design that included more than 400 people in townhall meetings, focus groups etc. The following issues were highlighted: need to find a balance between disease/illness treatment and health promotion/illness prevention; encourage empowerment for women within the health care system through improved information from providers and media for decision making and confidence to make choices; improved coordination of services; improved access to services through eliminating barriers such as language and culture differences, transportation and childcare issues, limited office hours and lack of physical access for the disabled; and caregiver stress. The following goals were identified: shift in emphasis in the delivery of health care to the concept of wellness; empower women to assume responsibility for their own health; improve access to information; improve coordination of services; raise community awareness of women's health problems and issues; and, improve access to appropriate services and supports. Five target areas were identified: women's wellness; reproductive health and sexuality; violence against women; mental health and addictions; and, healthy parenting. Workshop on Gender, Health and Development: Facilitator's Guide Author: Pan American Health Organization, World Health Organization Published: January 1997 Length: 128 pages English Summary: This manual was developed by the PAHO for use with their staff to provide practical skills for participants to incorporate a gender perspective into their work. In keeping with the organization, the focus in on three elements: gender, health and development. The workshop emphasizes a participatory approach utilizing the principles of adult learning. Different methods are presented such as breaking off into pairs, small group work, lectures, etc. Formats for the workshop content are discussed including background to the importance of gender, gender as a relational term (neither men nor women but the social relationship between them), and what a gender perspective means to the health of both men and women. Different exercises to facilitate learning are outlined. The differences between practical and strategic gender approaches are discussed. A practical gender approach focuses on meeting the health needs of women and men with a recognition of their socially defined differences. A strategic gender approach goes beyond incorporating this recognition and actively seeking to redistribute roles, responsibilities, and power to reduce inequities. Development approaches are also discussed. (C)1997,1998 by The Women's Health Clinic Of Manitoba |
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