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MODULE Biomedical Perspective

2 in Gender and Society

“it is undeniable that a society that treats any

of its citizenry as second-class individuals
only shortchanges itself.”
MODULE
-Charles Odonkor
OVERVIEW

In this module, we will discuss the

interdisciplinary literature on sex, gender and
sexuality. Feminist and queer theory-informed
work in this area has illuminated the co-
constitution of sex, gender and sexuality in
biomedical knowledge production, technologies,
and practices.

At the completion of this module, you are expected

to:

 Define concepts and methods to measure

poverty and access to resources;
 Develop data on morbidity and access to
health services;
 Develop data collection on women and men
with disabilities, including data on their
access to resources; and
 Strengthen systems for gathering essential
statistics and incorporate gender analysis.
While the biological differences between
males and females are fairly straightforward,
the social and cultural aspects of being a man
or woman can be complicated. (Photo
courtesy of FaceMePLS/flickr)

Are you ready? Then start the lesson now!

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LESSON ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY OF

1 REPRODUCTION

OBJECTIVES:
At the end of this lesson, you are expected to:

 differentiate the female and male

reproductive systems; and

 understand the basis for physiologic

processes in female and males.

Welcome to Lesson 1
Introduction

Human experience various physical and emotional changes from childhood to adulthood.
These changes are gradual and progress at different ages and speed in different people. These
stages are based on human growth and development from childhood, adolescences, adulthood and
old age.

This module focuses on the adolescent stage of human development, which is

characterized by dynamic changes in physical and behavioral traits. Despite differences in
physical appearance, the sexual organs of men and women arise from the same structures and
fulfill similar functions. Each person has a pair of gonads: ovaries are female gonads; testes are
the male gonads. The gonads produce germ cells and sex hormones. The female germ cells are
ova (egg) and the male germ cells are sperm. Ova and sperm are the basis units of reproduction,
their union can lead to the creation of a new life.

ACTIVIT  Name five physical changes that take place in female during puberty:
_______________________________________________________
Y ______________________________________________________

 Name five physical changes that take place in male during puberty:
_______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________

GED 11:

ABSTRACTION
THE BIOLOGICAL FEMALE
Anatomy is the study of body structure
in relation to body parts. The female
sexual anatomy is designed for the
production and fertilization of ovum, as
well as carrying and delivering infant
offspring. Puberty signals the final
development of primary and accessory
organs that support reproduction.
https://eternalintimacy.weebly.com/the-
anatomy-of-pleasure-the-vagina.html
A. The female external genitalia
consists of the following:
 Vulva – all the external genital
structures taken together;
 Mons veneris – pads of fatty
tissue between public bone and
skin;
 Labia majora – outer lips
surrounding all the other
structures
 Prepuce – clitoral hood (foreskin
above and covering clitoris);
 Clitoris – glans (head), shafts, and
crura (root), the clitoris is
particularly sensitive
stimulation;
 Labia minora – inner lips
surrounding the vestibule where
sweat and oil glands, extensive
blood vessel, and nerve ending are
located;
GED 11:
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ANALYSIS
Identify the changes in sensitivity that
occurs in the hypothalamus, pituitary,
and gonads as a boy or girl approaches CONTEMPLATE
puberty. Explain how these changes
lead to the increases of sex steroid
hormone secretions that drive many
pubertal changes.
 Vestibule – area surrounding the
urethral opening and vagina, which is
highly sensitive with extensive blood
vessels and nerve endings;
 Urethral opening – end of tube
connecting to bladder and used for
urination;
 Vaginal opening – also called
introitus; and
 Perineum – area of skin separating the
genitalia from the anus; distance is
less in the females than males.
B. The female internal reproductive
structures consists of the following as
described and shown below:
https://courses.lumenlearning.com/
boundless-ap/chapter/the-female-
reproductive-system/
 Vagina – collapsible canal extending
from vaginal opening back and
upward into body to cervix and
uterus. During arousal, it is
engorged with blood. This aids its
expansion and triggers the release of
to
lubricants from vaginal mucosa;
 Cervix – small end of uterus to which
vagina leads. It is the opening in
cervix leading to interior of uterus;
 Uterus – womb, organ within pelvic
zone where fetus carried;

 Fallopian tubes – carry egg cells
ovaries to uterus, this is where
fertilization occurs; and
 Ovaries – produce estrogen and
progesterone. Estrogen influences
female sex characteristics and
initiates menstrual cycle.
Puberty
The menstrual cycle marks the
beginning of puberty in females. The
first episode occurs between 11 to 15
years of age referred to as menarche.
Menstruation pertains to the sloughing
off of the uterine lining if conception
has not occurred. It may last within
two six days which follows a cycle
ranging from 24 to 42 days.
Regardless of the length of the cycle,
menstruation begins about 14 days
after ovulation (plus or minus one to
two days). The overall cycle is
governed by the hypothalamus as it
monitors hormone levels in the
bloodstream
https://cdn.citl.illinois.edu/courses/
CHLH206/
ch6_7_sexuality_education_lecture/
web_data/file8.htm
It involves changes in the
endometrium in response to the
fluctuating blood levels of ovarian
hormones. There are phases as
described and shown in the figure
below:
GED 11:
Page |4
https://microbenotes.com/menstrual-
cycle/
Female secondary sexual characteristics
emerge after puberty:
1. Widening of hips and pelvis –
accommodates giving birth, but also
results in downward shift in center of
gravity.
2. Enlargement of breasts – at puberty,
both glandular and fatty tissues of the
breasts develop considerably.
Differences in breast size between
women are primarily due to
differences in the amount of fatty
tissue. It is also not uncommon for
one of women’s breasts to be slightly
larger than the other. The glandular
tissue of the breasts responds to sex
hormones, and the breasts are
involved in a women’s sexual
arousal. The glandular tissue
produces milk toward the end
pregnancy and the after childbirth is
response to hormone levels
More female characteristics:
 Generally shorter than men;
 Greater proportion of body weight
composed of fat than men;
 Two X chromosomes reduces
expression of many sex-linked
conditions; and
 Lower mortality rate at every age and
longer projected lifespan than men.

https://www.medego.com/en/enlarge-
image-breast-female-anatomy
THE BIOLOGICAL MALE
The male sexual anatomy is
designed for the production and delivery
of sperm for fertilization of female’s
ovum. Puberty signals the final
development of primary and accessory
organs that support reproduction.
SPOT THE DIFFERENCE
What is the difference between
an uncircumcised and a
circumcised penis? It is
necessary to undergo
circumcision in males? Why
or Why not?
https://www.momjunction.com/articles/
teenage-circumcision_00399648/
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Page |5
A. The male internal reproductive organs:
 Testes – produce androgen, particularly
large quantities of testosterone, which
greatly influence male development and
drive sexual motivation; also produce
sperm cells in virtually unlimited
quantity over the entire course of the
lifespan.
 Vas deferens – travels from testicles
toward urethra carrying sperm;
 Seminal vesicles – two glands that
produce alkaline fluid rich in fructose
sugar, comprising some 70% of semen
volume. Alkaline nature may stimulate
sperm to start self-population and
sugar may provide sperm nutrients.
Ducts carry fluid and connect with vas
deferens forming ejaculatory ducts.
 Ejaculatory ducts – connects vas
deferens to urethra;
 Prostate – gland producing alkaline
secretions that account for about 30%
of semen volume. Alkaline nature may
help counteract otherwise, acidic
environment of urethra and vagina
making them more hospitable for
sperm. Fluid passes through a series of
ducts along wall of urethra; and
 Urethra – tube within penis that carries
sperm and semen the rest of the way to
the opening of the penis.
https://courses.lumenlearning.com/
boundless-ap/chapter/the-male-
reproductive-system/
 Page |6

Male Hormones Definition of Terms

The testosterone is the major
male hormone produced mainly by the
testes, but there are other glands called
the adrenal glands that also produce some
testosterone. In case a man has lost his
testes, these glands would continue to
produce testosterone to support the male
physical appearance. Testosterone is
responsible for the growth and
development of a boy during adolescence
and for the development of sperm and
secondary sexual characteristics.
 Reproduction - process of producing
off springs.
 Genitals – external sex organs.
 Primary sex characteristics – sex
characteristics that are present at birth
 Secondary sex characteristics – sex
characteristics that emerge during
puberty.

More Male Characteristics APPLICATION

 Generally taller and greater 1. Compare and contrast the male and the
proportion of body weight composed female genitalia
2. Draw a mind map showing the
of water;
progression of the male and female
 Proportionately larger heart and
from birth, puberty, and adulthood.
lungs, presumably to handle greater
blood fluid volume;
 Exposure to greater levels of COMPARE CONTRAST
testosterone resulting in heavier body
and facial hair, but also increased
frequency and degree of baldness;
and
 Sing X chromosome resulting in sex-
linked conditions such as
colorblindness and hemophilia. MIND - MAPPING

WATCH ME

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=JjmVurLWECA

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=w4uwWFwDveg

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LESSON THE PROCESS OF

2 REPRODUCTION

OBJECTIVES:
At the end of this lesson, you are expected to:

 define fertilization, conception and

pregnancy;
 explain how pregnancy occurs and its
prevention; and
 identify the complications of early
pregnancy in the growing adolescent.

Welcome to Lesson 2

Introduction

Although human beings are fully sexually differentiated at birth, the differences between
males and females are accentuated at puberty. This is when the reproductive system matures,
secondary sexual characteristics develop, and the bodies of males and females appear more
distinctive.

Female puberty usually begins at about 8 – 13 years of age; the reproduction maturation of
boys lags about two years behind that of girls. The physical changes of female puberty include
breast development, rounding of the hips, and buttocks, growth of the hair in the pubic region and
the underarm, and start of menstruation.

 Remember a time when you have seen or converted with a

ACTIVIT
pregnant woman. Pair up with your seatmate and discuss on the
Y signs of pregnancy you have observed among women:
_______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________

 Imagine what it is like to be pregnant. What do you think are

their needs and concerns?
_______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________

GED 11:

ABSTRACTION
How does one ovulate?
The major landmark of puberty
among females is the onset of the
menstrual cycle, the monthly ovulation
cycle that leads to menstruation (loss of
blood and tissues lining the uterus) in
the absence of pregnancy. The menstrual
cycle is from the first day of a period
until the day before the next period
starts.
Normally, it lasts around 25
days, on the average, but can be as short
as 21 or as long as 40. Whatever the
length, ovulation will happen about 10-
16 days before the start of the next
period.
http://blog.mindupdate.org/images/
menstrual-cycle-phases-discharge
How does pregnancy occur?
For pregnancy to proceed, the
sperm need to meet up with an egg.
Pregnancy officially starts when
fertilized egg implants in the lining of
the uterus. Pregnancy happens 2-3
weeks after sexual intercourse. This is
redundant so it was redacted.
GED 11:
Page |8
CONTEMPLATE
ANALYSIS
What do you often hear
about sex?
Conception is the process that begins
with fertilization of an egg by the sperm
and ends with implantation. When a
male and female have a sexual
intercourse, the penis fits into the
woman’s vagina. Ejaculation or coming
releases the sperm via the penis into the
fallopian tubes. Once the egg or ovum
has been released into the fallopian tube,
hundreds of sperm swim up to reach it.
Finally, the sperm penetrates the egg in
the fallopian tube where fertilization
takes place and eventually, becomes an
embryo. Once the embryo (fertilized
egg) attaches to the inner lining of the
uterus (endothelium), a fetus develops
within five to seven days from a ball of
cells floating in the uterus, which
officially begins pregnancy.
A normal pregnancy lasts 37 – 42 weeks
(nine months). This is measured from
the first day of the last period.
Pregnancy is discussed in terms of
trimesters (three-month periods), since
each trimester is very different from the
rest. After eight weeks, the embryo is
officially referred to as a fetus.
https://adoption.com/wiki/
Pregnancy_Week_2

What can be done to prevent teenage
pregnancy?
Teen pregnancy has a the various ways of preventing
tremendous impact on the educational,
social and economic lives of young
people. Early parenting reduces the
likelihood that young woman will
complete high school and pursue the
necessary post-secondary education
needed to compete in the today’s
economy. Although there is a decline in
teenage pregnancy rates it has been
steady over the past two decades. Teens
are still engaging in sexual activity and
teen girls are still getting pregnant.
Equipping the youth with the
knowledge, skills and attitudes
necessary to protect themselves against
unwanted pregnancy and provide them
access to reproductive healthcare.
Reproduction involves the ova and
sperm to fuse. Their union can lead to
the creation of a new life through
pregnancy. This has explored the
process of pregnancy and the changes
that happen during pregnancy.
GED 11:
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This has explored the process of
pregnancy and the changes that happen
during pregnancy. We have discussed
pregnancy so that the growing
adolescence would be empowered to
choose to avert from early pregnancy
that can lead to various life-threatening
complications.
WATCH ME
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=7UU1lhFnDVQ
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=3Vtb64wZkzs
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=_5OvgQW6FG4
Definitions of Terms:
 Ovulation – the process when a
mature is released from the ovary
and travels to the fallopian tube
for possible fertilization.
 Fertilization – union of the sperm
and the ovum.
 Pregnancy – the process when an
offspring develops within the
mother’s womb.
 P a g e | 10

APPLICATION
Form groups to discuss and research on the advantages and disadvantages of
contraceptives.

CONTRACEPTIVES ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES

What is an ideal contraceptive?

_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

GED 11:
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LESSON
3 SEXUAL HEALTH AND HYGIENE

OBJECTIVES:
At the end of this lesson, you are expected to:

 identify the important health habits for the

developing adolescent;

 observe maintaining good hygiene; and

 know when to seek help from a health care

professional.

Welcome to Lesson 3

Introduction

Puberty causes all kinds of changes in the adolescent’s body. These bodily changes are
normal part of developing into an adult. There are instances when these changes can be a
source of anxiety to the growing teen. Does anyone not worry about smelly breath and
underarms? This further puts personal hygiene and healthy habits being important life skills
for the teen.

ACTIVITY ANALYSIS

List four (4) reproductive health care

Explain what is personal
services that young people can get from
hygiene is for you.
this lesson.

Identify your own example of

1.) good personal hygiene

2.)
Choose a true statement
3.) about personal hygiene

4.)

GED 11:

ABSTRACTION
Oily Hair
The hormones that create
acne are the same ones that can
make you feel like you’re suddenly
styling you hair with a comb dipped
in motor oil. Each strand of hair has
its own sebaceous (oil) gland which
keeps the hair shiny and waterproof.
But during puberty, when the
sebaceous glands produce extra oil,
it can make your hair look too
shiny, oily and greasy. Washing
your hair every day or every other
day can help control oily hair.
Dozens of shampoos are available
in drugstores and supermarkets for
you to choose from. most brands are
pretty similar, although, you might
want to try one that is specially
formulated for oily hair. Use warm
water and a small amount of
shampoo to work up lather.
Do not scrub or rub too hard
– this does not get rid of oil any
better and can irritate your scalp or
damage you hair. After you have
rinsed, you can follow up with a
conditioner. If you like; again, one
for oily hair might work best. When
you are styling your hair, pay close
attention to the products you use.
Some styling gels or lotions can add
extra grease to your hair, which
defeats the purpose of washing it in
the first place. Look for formula that
says “greaseless” or ‘oil free”.
GED 11:
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Sweat and Body Odor
Perspiration, or sweat,
comes from sweat glands that you
have always had in your body. But
thanks to puberty, these glands not
only become more active before,
they also begin to secrete different
chemicals into the sweat that has a
stronger smelling odor. You might
notice this odor under your arms in
your armpits. Your feet and genitals
might also have new smells.
The best way to keep clean
is to bathe or shower every day
using a mild soap and warm water.
This will help wash away any
bacteria that contribute to the
smells. Wearing clean clothes,
socks, and underwear each day can
also help you to feel clean. If you
sweat a lot, you might find that
shirts, T-shirts, socks and
underwear made from cotton or
other natural materials will help
absorb sweat more effectively. If
you are concerned about the way
your underarm smell, you can try
using a deodorant or deodorant with
antiperspirant.
Deodorants get rid of the odor of
sweat by covering it up and
antiperspirants actually stop or dry
up perspiration. They come in
sticks, roll-ons, gels, sprays and
creams and are available at any
drugstore or supermarket
 P a g e | 13

All brands are similar (and ones that Shaving cream and gel are often a
say they are made for a man or for a better bet than soap because they
woman are similar, too, except for make it easier to pull the razor
some perfumes that are added). If against your skin. Some of the
you choose to use deodorant or newer razors contain shaving gel
antiperspirant, be sure to read the right in the blade area. Making even
directions. Some work better if you beginner feel comfortable shaving.
use them at night, whereas others
Whether you’re shaving your legs,
recommend that you put them on in
armpits or face, go slowly. These
the morning. But keep in mind that
are tricky areas of your body with
some teens do not need deodorants
lots of curves and angles, and it is
or antiperspirants. So why use them
easy to cut if you move too fast. An
if you do not have to? Deodorant
adult or older sibling can be a big
and antiperspirant commercials may
help when you are learning to
try to convince you that you will
shave. Do not be afraid to ask for
have no friends or dates if you do
tips. You might want to avoid
not use their product, but if you do
shaving pubic hair because when it
not think you smell and you take
grows back in the skin may be
daily baths or showers and wear
irritated and itchy.
clean clothes, you may be fine
without them. Dental Hygiene
Body Hair Dentists say that the most
important part of tooth care happens
Body hair in new places is
at home. Brushing and flossing
something you can count on –
properly, along with regular dental
again, they are hormone in action.
checkups can help prevent tooth
You may want to start shaving some
decay and gum disease. To prevent
places where body hair grows, but
cavities, you need to remove plaque,
whether you do is up to you. Some
the transparent layer of bacteria that
guys who grow facial hair like to let
coats the teeth. The best way to do
it develop into a mustache and
this is by brushing your teeth twice
beard. Some girls may decide to
a day and flossing at least once a
leave the hair on their legs and
day. Brushing also stimulates the
under their arms as is. It is all up to
gums, which helps to keep them
you and what you feel comfortable
healthy and prevent gum disease.
with. If you do decide to shave,
Brushing and flossing are the most
whether you are a guy or girl, you
important things that you can do to
have a few different choices. You
keep your teeth and gums healthy.
can use a traditional razor; make
sure the blade is new and sharp to
prevent cuts and nicks.

GED 11:

Toothpaste contains abrasives,
detergents and foaming agents.
Fluoride, the most common active
ingredient in toothpaste, is what
prevents cavities. So you should
always be sure your toothpaste
contains fluoride.
If you have teeth that are
sensitive to heat, cold and pressure,
you may want to try special
toothpaste for sensitive teeth.
However, you will still need to talk
to your dentist about your
sensitivity because it may indicate a
more serious problem, such as a
cavity or nerve inflammation
(irritation).
Tips on Proper Brushing:
Dentists say that the
minimum time you should spend
brushing your teeth is two minutes
twice a day. Hence, here are some
tips on how to brush properly:
 Brush your teeth twice a day
with a soft-bristled brush. The
size and shape of your brush
should fit your mouth allowing
you to reach all areas easily.
 Replace your toothbrush every
three or four months or sooner
if the bristles are frayed. A
worn toothbrush won’t do a
good job of cleaning your teeth.
 Make sure to use an ADA-
accepted fluoride toothpaste.
GED 11:
P a g e | 14
The proper brushing technique is
to:
 Place your toothbrush at a 45-
degree angle to the gums. 
 Gently move the brush back and
forth in short (tooth-wide)
strokes. 
 Brush the outer surfaces, the
inner surfaces, and the chewing
surfaces of the teeth.
 To clean the inside surfaces of
the front teeth, tilt the brush
vertically and make several up-
and-down strokes.
Of course, brushing your teeth is
only a part of a complete dental care
routine. You should also make sure
to:
 Clean between teeth daily once
a day. Tooth decay-causing
bacteria still linger between
teeth where toothbrush bristles
can’t reach. This helps remove
plaque and food particles from
between the teeth and under the
gum line.
 Eat a balanced diet that limits
sugary beverages and snacks.
 See your dentist regularly for
prevention and treatment of oral
disease.

Healthcare Check for the Female:
The best time for a self-
breast exam is about a week after
the last day of your menstrual
period, when your breasts are not
tender and swollen. This should be
done at the same time each month
when you no longer have your
menstrual period.
Keeping the external genitalia
clean:
 Use soap and water to wash the
external genitalia and your
underarms every day, especially
during menstruation.
 Use either a disposable pad
made of cotton, which has a
nylon base, or a clean piece of
cotton cloth to absorb blood
during menstruation.
 Properly dispose of the pad after
each use, or wash and dry the
piece of cloth used as a
menstrual pad before reuse.
 Wash only the external
genitalia. Do not try to clean the
inside part of the vagina.
 While washing, wash starting
from the vagina towards the
anus. Do not wash from the anus
towards the vagina. This will
allow germs to enter the inner
genitalia easily and cause
infection.
 Be aware of abnormal fluids from
your vagina. Do not confuse this
with normal vaginal fluids.
 If you see any changes in the
vaginal fluid-a change in color or
odor, please visit a health
professional.
GED 11:
P a g e | 15
Healthcare check for the Male:
Keeping the external male genitalia
clean:
 Wash the external genitalia at
least daily with soap and water,
as you wash the rest of the body.
 Boys who are not circumcised
need to pull back the foreskin
and gently wash underneath it
with clean water.
 Be aware of any abnormal fluids
coming from your penis. Do not
confuse this with the presence of
normal fluids.
 If you see any fluid or wound,
please visit a health
professional.
WATCH https://www.youtube.com/watch?
ME
v=aTS0SMDaRVM
Definitions of Terms:
 Health – a state of complete physical,
mental, and social well – being and not
merely the absence of disease or
infirmity.
 Hygiene - refers to behaviors that can
improve cleanliness and lead to good
health, such as frequent hand washing,
face washing, and bathing with soap
and water.
 Sexual health – refers to a state of
physical, emotional, mental and social
well-being in relation to sexuality; it is
not merely the absence of disease,
dysfunction or infirmity.
 Reproductive health – refers to the
state of complete physical, mental and
social well-being and not merely the
absence of disease or infirmity in all
matters relating to the reproductive
system and to its functions and
processes at all stages of life.
 P a g e | 16

APPLICATION

Match the items in Column A with the statements in Column B

1. Prevents acne by elimination of

MASTURBATION
blackheads

USING TAMPONS 2. Not necessary with regular bathing

WEARING AN ATHLETIC 3. Can eliminate “Jock Itch”

SUPPORTER

4. A normal, healthy way to relieve

BREAST SELF-EXAMINATION
sexual tension

USING DEODORANT 5. Important for sexual and

reproductive health

DOUCHING 6. Cleans the genitals daily and keeps

them odor free
RUBBING CONSTARCH ON 7. Masks the normal odor associated
GENITALS with healthy genitals

AVOIDING VAGINAL 8. Protects and supports the Penis

INFECTIONS and Testicles
USING FEMININE HYGIENE 9. May destroy natural bacteria that
SPRAYS
keep the vagina clean

FREQUENT BATHING 10. Protects you and a partner from

further infection.
USING AN ABRASIVE FACIAL
11. Can detect small lumps that could
CLEANSER
develop into cancer
CIRCUMCISION 12. Does not affect sexual or
reproductive health
APPLYING A HOT WATER
BOTTLE OR HEATING PAF TO 13. Can cause toxic shock syndrome
ADDOMEN (TSS) if left too long
BEING TESTED AND TREATED
14. Depends on diet, clothing, bathing
FOR STD’s
and other health behaviors
HAVING A REGULAR PELVIC
EXAMINATION 15. Mat eliminate menstrual cramps

GED 11:
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MODULE  Gender refers to the characteristics of women, men, girls and boys
SUMMARY that are socially constructed.  This includes norms, behaviours and
roles associated with being a woman, man, girl or boy, as well as
relationships with each other. As a social construct, gender varies
from society to society and can change over time.
 Gender is hierarchical and produces inequalities that intersect with
other social and economic inequalities.  Gender-based
discrimination intersects with other factors of discrimination, such
as ethnicity, socioeconomic status, disability, age, geographic
location, gender identity and sexual orientation, among others. This
is referred to as intersectionality. 
 Gender interacts with but is different from sex, which refers to the
different biological and physiological characteristics of females,
males and intersex persons, such as chromosomes, hormones and
reproductive organs. Gender and sex are related to but different
from gender identity. Gender identity refers to a person’s deeply
felt, internal and individual experience of gender, which may or may
not correspond to the person’s physiology or designated sex at birth.
 Gender influences people’s experience of and access to healthcare.
The way that health services are organized and provided can either
limit or enable a person’s access to healthcare information, support
and services, and the outcome of those encounters. Health services
should be affordable, accessible and acceptable to all, and they
should be provided with quality, equity and dignity.
 Consequently, women and girls face greater risks of unintended
pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections including HIV, cervical
cancer, malnutrition, lower vision, respiratory infections,
malnutrition and elder abuse, amongst others. Women and girls also
face unacceptably high levels of violence rooted in gender
inequality and are at grave risk of harmful practices such as female
genital mutilation, and child, early and forced marriage. WHO
figures show that about 1 in 3 women worldwide have experienced
either physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence or non-
partner sexual violence in their lifetime.

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