International Women's Day 2011

As people throughout the world celebrate the 100^th anniversary of International Women’s Day, the Fred Hollows Foundation NZ says it is also an opportunity to reflect on the global inequity women face accessing eye care in the Pacific.

Mesepi lives on the island of Savai’i in Samoa. At age 69, she still led an active life as a nursing mentor for orientation programs – passing on her skills to young nurses and helping them adapt to their new life. However when cataracts developed in her eyes, she worried that she would have to give up her career.

She is just one of the many women worldwide who are affected by avoidable blindness. Research has shown that globally, 65% of people with avoidable blindness are women.

Women in developing countries are less likely to receive cataract surgery at the same rate as men, yet if women received the same level of cataract surgery overall cataract blindness could reduce by 11%.

Women are also more susceptible to other eyes disease such as trachoma but less likely to have treatment.  And in countries such as Papua New Guinea, eye trauma can be the result of domestic violence

In Samoa, where there is no resident ophthalmologist, Mesepi was treated at a Fred Hollows Foundation NZ surgical outreach. With her sight restored, she was able to resume her mentoring and contribute to the careers of other women.

However across the Pacific, many women face barriers for eye health treatment. They often live in remote areas, with little or no access to health services. Even when they do seek treatment, their blindness is often more advanced than men’s. There can be significant cultural barriers, as women may not get access to the money or support they need for treatment unless a senior member of the household agrees. Often young women and children miss out on education as they have to stay home to care for a blind family member.

As a member of the Vision2020 coalition, the Fred Hollows Foundation NZ is part of a global initiative to achieve global gender equity in eye care. By providing surgical outreaches to these remote areas, and training local eye nurses, The Foundation is giving women throughout the Pacific the sight-restoring surgery they need to resume their lives with dignity.

To see what it’s all about and for information on worldwide initiatives click here

Find out about nationwide events at the UN Development Fund for Women website, including an Auckland reception hosted by His Excellency The Right Honourable Sir Anand Satyanand GNZM, QSO, Governor General of New Zealand and Lady Susan Satyanand www.unifem.org.nz