The IWK Foundation has released a groundbreaking survey titled “The Voice of Maritime Women — The Unspoken Burden of Women’s Health,” revealing significant challenges faced by women in the region. Development Jennifer Gillivan, the president and CEO of the IWK Foundation, shared a particularly heartwarming success. The survey received more than 27,000 responses, exploding the original goal of 2,000 respondents! These findings provide evidence of a critical need for better service delivery and access to women’s health services across the Maritime provinces.
According to the survey, an overwhelming 86 percent of respondents indicated that substantial changes are necessary to enhance women’s health. Arguing for practicality, Gillivan was adamant that the survey’s findings must act as a roadmap to implementing these advancements into healthcare systems. She remarked that women’s health research has historically had difficulty obtaining funding. This oversight has resulted in not only substantial disparities in health outcomes, gaps in access-to-care, and millions of misdiagnosis and under-diagnosis.
Key Findings from the Survey
The survey brought to light some troubling trends in how women are treating their healthcare. Almost 75 percent of respondents reported having put off or forgo medical care. They worried about being ridiculed, marginalized, or pigeonholed as a “troublemaker.” Without access to appropriate resources, such internal conflict can worsen health conditions, generating an avalanche of chronic ailments.
Gillivan remarked on the societal pressures that women face, stating, “Women are carrying the burden of a lot of our society. They’re caring for their children. They’re caring for adults, older adults in their family. They’re still trying to work and have a life.” This complex role can leave women physically stressed out and emotionally discouraged from seeking the treatment they need.
Respondents echoed this sentiment, with one stating, “I feel on a personal level there is so much I do not know about my body, its reproductive system, and what is considered ‘normal.’” This admission highlights the desperate need for more education and support surrounding women’s health concerns.
Engagement with Provincial Health Officials
In an attempt to rectify the findings, Gillivan has presented the report to provincial health officials from each of the three Maritime provinces. She said that these officials have demonstrated “a serious interest” in the survey’s results. By fostering dialogue between stakeholders in both public and private sectors, the IWK Foundation aims to convey these critical findings effectively.
Gillivan expressed optimism regarding the potential for change: “If we don’t have healthy, strong women, we don’t have a healthy, strong society. It’s just that.” The foundation’s commitment to collaborating with government bodies aims to create a more supportive environment for women’s health needs.
The Way Forward
The IWK Foundation’s survey results reveal a stark reality about women’s health in the Maritimes. Gillivan pointed to a failure within our healthcare systems to provide training on how to address women’s unique health needs. “There isn’t training in the system for this. They themselves don’t have knowledge in that area,” she stated.
The foundation plans to use the insights gained from this survey to advocate for reforms and improve healthcare delivery tailored to women’s unique needs. The IWK Foundation is directly addressing these systemic issues. Their mission is to make sure that women feel safe going for care, without fear of stigma.
