Women's health and technology

I would like to draw the attention of concerned people to a very concerning health issue of rural women in Bangladesh. I was troubled by my house help's hesitance in talking about her menstruation cycle. It was flabbergasting, that even in the 21st century mere mentions of menstruation are looked down upon. I came to realise the problem many women suffer in rural and even urban Bangladesh, the taboo surrounding the conversations, even mere mentions, about the menstrual cycle. It makes women feel ashamed of their natural body rhythms, and this decades-long taboo is not easy to overcome. Therefore, even when they face irregularities and problems during their cycle they do not realise it, let alone consult a doctor about it.

The intervention with IT-assisted medical processes may aid in preventing, detecting and curing women's reproductive health issues. Technology-related health initiatives provide an alternative way for women to address their concerns and get them the help they need.

To educate the marginalised urban and rural households regarding PCOS and other women's health concerns using technology. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare & Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications, and Information Technology of the government of Bangladesh should work together to educate, train, and equip them with knowledge, skills, and devices. The role of Nobel Laureate Prof. Dr. Muhammad Yunus's Grameen Bank in this process of empowering women is very significant. Grameenphone has already started household meetings to train rural women around the country on how to get the maximum benefit out of mobile phones.

I would suggest developing a network of female health tech initiatives even at the rural level. I would further suggest involving the Gen Z age cohort to work in the field voluntarily to help women out of the various taboos and to provide technological orientation to these women.

I would highly appreciate it if the government of Bangladesh takes serious note of the issues and takes appropriate action in this regard.

Syeda Madeha Mowla

Graduate

North South University

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