Hidden Struggles: The Impact of Health Taboos on Women in Rural Areas

Health is a basic human right, yet for many women in rural areas, acquiring proper healthcare facilities remains a distant dream. Apart from obvious challenges regarding distance, lack of financial resources, and infrastructure, cultural and social stigmas play a keen role in hindering women’s health and well-being.

3 These restrictive taboos, rooted deeply in the traditions and mindsets of people in rural areas, often limit women from seeking medical help, adding to the cycle of poverty and negligence

Cultural and Societal Stigmas
In several rural communities, taboos, myths, and stereotypes are given more importance than understanding the root cause of a disease and seeking medical assistance. Due to this, women find it difficult to discuss or address certain health conditions. Health issues related to menstruation, reproductive health, post-natal problems, and mental health are specifically stigmatized.

Mensturation, and Prenatal and Postnatal Care
Menstruation or the period where a woman is recovering after giving birth, i.e., the Post-Natal period, is considered a taboo subject. They are often taught that menstruation is unclean and lack of prenatal and postnatal care, the health of the mother and child is endangered.
Moreover, in some communities, women are not allowed to leave their houses, participate in particular activities, enter the kitchen, etc. This isolation not only impacts their physical health but also stresses them out, forcing them to feel ashamed and incapable.

Reproductive Health
Similarly, many women lack access to family planning services due to societal pressure and numerous misconceptions. In some communities, discussing sexual health is not considered which often leaves women uninformed about their own bodies and reproductive options. This could lead to unplanned pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections, and unsafe abortions.

Mental Health
Not only this but mental health is a significant concern as well and is not even considered logical. Due to high social expectations and responsibilities, women are often suppressed.  Depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders are often stigmatized and make it an invisible struggle for them.

Towards a Healthy Future
People must become more educated and aware to acknowledge the health struggles that rural women face very often. Education as a pillar of our society, can help in overcoming these stigmas and assist women to take control over their well-being.
Moreover, making people aware and creating a shift from taboos, myths, and rigid perceptions, requires a collective effort. This makes community engagement more significant. Working with Parishads, Panchayats, local leaders, non-profit organizations, etc, to challenge restrictive norms can build a supportive environment for women.
This would provide accurate knowledge to women about their bodies, help them make informed decisions, and normalize discussions around subjects that are stigmatized.
Not only this but access to healthcare facilities must be improved as well. This would include providing affordable health services, STI/HIV/AIDS testing, and treatments. As there is a lack of infrastructure and well-built hospitals in rural areas, mobile health clinics should be set up for easy access for them.

Breaking the Silence
The impact of these health taboos has a profound impact on rural women. This not only affect their physical health but also the mental well-being of them. Hence, by breaking the silence and acknowledging these taboos through community involvement, education, campaigns, support groups, etc, we can take a step forward towards creating a safe space for women.