Why Men Need to Care about the Wellbeing of Women

Pregnancy, periods, feminine bodily functions, and countless other issues that women endure, are often brushed under the rug and spoken about behind closed doors. This forces generations of women and young girls to live in shame and fear with regards to their bodies. With this common misconception, men are also taught to turn the other cheek when included in these conversations. Growing up, the men in my family went about these issues the same way the women did. Don’t talk about it, and don’t acknowledge it. But I do have hopes that my generation will have a resurgence of men who are willing to do their part when it comes to women’s rights, and healthcare.

Women’s healthcare is not only a “women’s issue.” Each and every one of us is somehow connected when there’s a setback in our community. I’ve often heard men say, “I have a sister/wife/daughter, so this concerns me as well.” But that logic ignores the notion that women should be looked at as human beings, and not solely on their relation to men. Women’s healthcare has to do with the sake of our humanity– given that women are the beings who reproduce and birth children. I often imagine what kind of world we would live in, if men decided to use their privilege and stand up for women whenever there is an act of injustice endured upon us. It shouldn’t only be doctors and medical professionals who tend to women’s healthcare. Educators, community figures, and especially our patriarchal government, need to realize that this issue affects everyone. It’s a ripple effect when a woman’s wellbeing is at stake. Casa de la Luna was created with this exact mindset in place.