55% of people who are visually impaired are women. Across the world, 90 million women don’t have access to life-changing eye care. So why this disparity between men and women’s access to eye care? Below, we list some of the causes…
Reason 1: Care for women isn’t always a priority
Women and girls often miss out when it comes to eye care, because, in some places, the health of men and boys is prioritised. Families who are struggling financially often have to make difficult decisions about who receives care and who doesn’t.
Women face more barriers when it comes to accessing eye care services
Reason 2: Reason 2: Lack of financial freedom
Many women and girls around the world have little control over their family finances. This lack of financial freedom leaves them unable to pay for healthcare or transport costs.
Reason 3: Women are caregivers
Through play and close contact, children can easily catch and spread blinding diseases like trachoma, which is then passed on to their mothers. In fact, 70% of all people affected by trachoma are women.
Women are more likely to catch blinding diseases due to their role as carers
Reason 4: Lack of literacy skills
59% of young people who are illiterate are girls. A lack of education and lower levels of literacy means that some women have little understanding of their condition, or awareness of the care that is available.
You can help close the gender gap in blindness today, please give a gift and help us take quality eye care to women and girls around the world.
