Equal but Different - New Report on Gender Mainstreaming in Health Services
Published: Sunday, November 18, 2012
A new report by the NWCI and the HSE will change the way the HSE delivers its services to women and men. The report Equal but Different: A Framework for Integrating Gender Equality in Health Service Policy, Planning and Service Delivery was launched by Ms Kathleen Lynch TD, Minister for Disability, Equality and Mental Health on 14 November 2012
On the occasion of the Report Launch today Minister Lynch said:
'Equal but Different provides a framework to ensure that both women and men become an integral part to the development of policy, planning and service delivery within the Health Service Executive. By taking key gender considerations into account, the HSE is taking steps to improve the organisation's ability to respond to need and deliver accessible services, targeting the specific needs of men and of women. This leads to increased customer satisfaction and efficient and effective management of resources.'
Jacqueline Healy, Health and Human Rights Worker with the NWCI said:
'Healthcare provision has so far been gender blind and this report aims to apply a much needed gender lens to healthcare services in Ireland. Women and men have different health needs throughout their lives. Unequal economic and social roles in the workplace, in the home or in public life between women and men lead to unequal access to healthcare and healthcare outcomes. This new report provides a practical framework to improve service delivery, make better use of resources to address the needs of women and men, save on long term health costs and lower the burden of ill health.'
The report is the result of a unique collaboration of women's and men's organisations. In addition to NWCI and HSE the following organisations contributed to the report: Department of Health, Department of Justice and Equality, Equality Men's Development Network, Men's Health Forum in Ireland, Irish Cancer Society, Equality Authority and Institute for Public Health.