Smashing Stigmas in Women's Health
http://www.salon.com/2016/02/09/lena_dunhams_tmi_power_opening_up_about_her_own_body_smashes_stigmas_around_womens_health/
When thinking into the topic of empowerment, many people think straight to the workplace and other public areas of society for sources of argument and discussion. While these places are undoubtedly permeated with issues of gender equality, often overlooked is areas of women's health and how it relates to (and can even be a representation of) women being unapologetic about their lives--mind, body AND soul.
Lena Dunham, star of TV show "Girls," has a health condition that affects nearly five million women in the U.S. Endometriosis is a condition by which tissue normally found within the uterus is instead found growing on the outside of it.While not life threatening, the condition can be painful and can affect fertility--both of which have led women with the condition into thoughts of discouragement and oppression.
Dunham's ability to speak out, even give a little "TMI" according to some, is a representation of ways women can empower each other to embrace their health and health-related issues, feed off of one another for support and gain insight on how to deal with these situations. Often times health-related issues aren't spoken of in public as they may be considered crude or unprofessional or unimportant in relation to other topics (i.e. politics, business, etc.).
The truth is, which this article professes, is that reproductive health and all other forms of bodily health is important to notice because it affects who you are and everything you do. From menstrual pain to ovarian cysts to postpartum depression and so many more, I can assure you that you are not alone in the fight--and you don't have to be. Even more, once you open up to your surroundings you can use these battles to gain support, perspective and empowerment from women around you that deal with the same things.
This is why I encourage you, as women for women with a goal of empowering each other through experiences and conversation, expose yourselves. Be vulnerable. Know that our bodies are not something to fight or hide but rather to embrace and love. Listen to your body the way you may find yourself listening to your heart, and don't be ashamed. Open up to the women around you. To the girl that sits on the subway next to you everyday and is crying occasionally on her way to work--don't be afraid to ask her what's going on in her life. To your coworker who you've exchanged smiles and snacks with nearly everyday, but winces as she pops the occasional pill throughout the day--open up. Start by sharing your vulnerabilities and others will follow.
Why should we feel ashamed about our health "issues"? Why should it make us cringe when even some immature attention-seeking colleague asks if we are on our cycle? Hit 'em back with a "HELL YEAH I AM! And I'll kick your ass a million times harder while I'm on it, too." Watch them back away and refrain from the question again...
Like the article states, in too many circles, still, acknowledging that women have different health issues has been an excuse to exclude them from opportunity. We, as women, need to reach out to each other, make ourselves vulernable and use these aspects of our bodily health and function to EMPOWER us, not implode us; seek justice through loving the way our bodies function--not embarassment.
Open up about your health based on your own concerns and how you want to cater to them through the help of other women around yout. Don't let anyone choose your outcome based on their thoughts on women's health and how open or closed you should remain based on societal calibers of "ickiness" of certain issues. In fact, they are not issues at all, but rather sources of strength. They are unique to women and should be used as a source of empowerment and communication. Utilize them, be discovered by them, and control your own destiny.
xx
Mackenzie
