Global Women’s Health

Catalog description

This class will explore the social and biological factors impacting women’s health, with special emphasis on the countries of the Global South: Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Women’s and girls’ health is linked to many dimensions, including the type of work they do, access to food and water, sanitation, cultural practices regarding pregnancy and childbirth, and access to health care services, as well as local patterns of disease and other health concerns. As we explore these questions, we will seek the voices of the women of the Global South, and explore how local communities are coming together to improve women’s health. Topics will include the role of traditional birth attendants, the impact of poverty, violence against women, safe practices for childbirth, as well as the innovative programs for health education provided by community health workers in many rural communities. We will also attempt to explore the impact of the current pandemic on women and girls in communities of the Global South.