Beyond Buzzwords

 

Let’s take a moment to demystify some international-aid speak. When organizations like Plan International Canada use terms like “gender-responsive health care” in global communities, we’re really talking about something pretty straightforward: making sure health care actually works for the people who need it most, especially young girls and boys, adolescents and women.

That means addressing problems like health clinics that don’t have female doctors in places where men don’t want their wives or daughters treated by male doctors, or health services for pregnant women that are located so far away that reaching them requires an epic journey. It also means shifting cultural norms that limit women’s ability to make independent health-care decisions; in some instances, they need the permission or approval of their husband, which can delay their receiving care.

At a time when many Canadians are struggling to find a family doctor or waiting months for an important surgery, investments in health care abroad might seem like a tough sell. But think about the COVID-19 pandemic: If there’s one thing it taught us, it’s that viruses don’t respect borders. When health systems are weak anywhere, it affects health security everywhere.

The win-win: global health = Canadian health

Some critics frame this as an either/or choice: either we help Canadians or we help others. But that’s like saying you have to choose between feeding your kids or teaching them to read – both matter, and they’re connected.

Research shows that investing in global health and equality for young women and girls builds more stable societies and stronger economies worldwide. And when the world is more stable and prosperous, Canada benefits too – through increased trade opportunities, reduced global health threats and more resources for domestic priorities like health care.

Given that Canada invests only 2% of government spending on global health, we’re getting impressive returns. Recent polling shows that eight out of 10 Canadians consider international assistance a priority, even in tough economic times.

From jargon to action: two success stories

1. Gender-Responsive Systems Approach to Universal Health Care (GRASP)

In the Philippines, this Plan International health-care project will reach more than 584,000 people living in remote areas, including 368,000 women and girls, with essential health services. We’re working with local partners to educate men and boys about why girls’ and women’s health matters, working with community leaders to challenge outdated rules and helping women become health-care providers themselves. When women gain opportunities to improve their families’ economic situations and local services, entire communities become stronger. This is what “gender-responsive health care” means: It’s about changing the underlying systems that keep half the population from getting basic care.

2. The Conservation and Sustainable Management of Coastal and Marine Ecosystems (COSME)

This Plan International project focuses on supporting women in Kenya in building their own businesses while adapting to the negative impacts that climate change has had on their communities.

We’re partnering with the Jane Goodall Institute of Canada and the Canadian company Cascadia Seaweed Corporation to train 3,000 women in mangrove restoration, seaweed farming and forest conservation in Kenya’s coastal regions and involve 8,600 students in school environment clubs.

When women can earn their own income, they can afford health care, send their children to school and protect their communities against health- and climate-related challenges.

Supporting projects for young women and girls that address access to health services, economic opportunities and local environmental challenges isn’t just compassionate – it’s smart. In a world where viruses don’t need passports and climate change doesn’t respect borders, investing in “gender-responsive” programs builds healthier, more resilient communities worldwide. And that creates a more stable, prosperous future for everyone – including Canadians. Now that’s something worth investing in.