December 5th is International Women's Rights Day

December 5th is International Women's Rights Day: The Right to Healthy Living and Support for Women's Health
December 5 is not only a historic milestone in Turkey as the day women were granted the right to vote and be elected, but it is also significant as a day to draw attention to women's health rights. Women's health is one of the most fundamental indicators of public health; therefore, protecting women's physical, mental, and social health rights is not only an individual but also a social responsibility.
Women's Health: Not Just a Clinical Issue
Women's health encompasses a wide range of issues, from reproductive health and childbirth to menopause and old age. However, beyond clinical indicators, social, economic, and cultural factors play an important role in women's access to health. From a public health perspective, the right to healthy living includes not only access to treatment but also access to preventive services, education, and safe living conditions. Reproductive health services, screening programs (such as for breast and cervical cancer), counseling services, and mental health support directly affect women's quality of life. When women have easy access to these services, they protect their own health and contribute to societal health indicators.
The Effects of Violence on Health
Violence against women is one of the most important risk factors in public health. According to World Health Organization data, approximately one-third of women experience partner violence at some point in their lives. Violence is not limited to physical injuries; it leads to multidimensional health problems such as post-traumatic stress, depression, anxiety, and pregnancy complications.
A fact to remember on December 5 is that protecting women's health rights and preventing violence are inseparable. Healthcare workers, social services, and society are responsible for providing both support and awareness in this area.
The Role of Public Health
The public health approach addresses women's health within a holistic framework:
• Accessible health services: Ensuring women of all ages can access regular screening and counseling services.
•    Education and awareness: Empowering women to be aware of their own health and access accurate information that influences their lifestyle choices.
•    Violence prevention policies: Strengthening social mechanisms to both prevent violence against women and support victims.
•    Social support: Understanding that the right to a healthy life is not only an individual responsibility but also a shared responsibility of society.
Strengthening women's health improves the well-being of not only women, but the entire society. A healthy female population means stronger families, healthier generations, and a sustainable society.
Conclusion
December 5, International Women's Rights Day, should remind us not only of women's right to vote, but also their right to a healthy life and access to health services. Investing in women's health is one of the cornerstones of social development and justice.
The right to a healthy life is a right that every woman is born with; protecting, developing, and supporting it is the shared responsibility of society.