here. - Canadian Women's Health Network

Women, Income andHealth in Manitoba72Major health research gaps exist forpopulations of women such as lesbians,bisexual and transgendered; First Nations,Inuit and Metis women; immigrant andrefugee women; women of colour; andwomen with disabilities, particularlyresearch that reflects their prioritiesand needs.Evaluations of women’s services shouldinclude a gender perspective.The findings of women’s health research isnot being adequately communicated towomen, particularly those who arelow-income.”Some Ways to Apply this Element■ “Research and develop moreappropriate, gender-sensitiveindicators of women’s healthand well-being.■■■■Involve women in settingresearch agendas.Use inclusive methodologies thatrespect and empower women’svoices, e.g. participatoryaction research.Include gender analysis inoutcome evaluations.Disseminate research findings towomen’s communities inappropriate formats.”ELEMENT #10SOCIAL JUSTICE CONCERNSUnderstanding this Element“People who work with women see manywomen who are affected by socialdeterminants like poverty anddiscrimination. Workers may beoverwhelmed by how to help individualwomen or by how to have an impact onsocietal levels of poverty and injustice.The V/RHB addresses social justice issueswithin Statement #3 of their mission, visionand principles:‘The framework for the delivery ofhealth care will be based on theideals of integrity, excellence, socialjustice and access to service;respecting the rights of everyindividual regardless of socioeconomicstatus or personal beliefor disability; supporting the effortsof our diverse communities to workcooperatively to address the issuesof health and safety in theirneighbourhoods as they apply to thebroader determinants of health.’ ”Some Ways to Apply this Element■ “Support the involvement of serviceproviders and all women in advocatingfor women’s achievement of political,cultural, social and economic equality.■■■■■■■Use institutional positions and power toadvocate for change.Embed gender equity in policydevelopment.Provide advocacy around incomeassistance and disability benefits.Provide court support for women incustody processes.Advocate for people who cannot gohome from rehabilitation programsor hospital unless they have anappropriate level of care or structuralchanges are made to their homesto accommodate disabilities.Assist women in recovery who needhousing to link up with other womenwho can offer short-termaccommodation.Provide clothing exchanges for womensearching for or starting jobs.”