Women's health and culture in Potowar

Woman's body, cultural symbolism, beliefs, empowerment and medical pluralism are inter-twined to influence reproductive health decisions by women and their families. Potowar region in Northern Punjab, Pakistan is home to brave men and women and a rich culture. This work is an account of women's health issues, perceived causes of sickness and chosen pathways of care in a village where provider choices range from traditional and spiritual healers, local traditional birth attendants and modern medicine practitioners. Improved understanding of women's aspirations, realities and experiences is needed to serve them better!

Autorentext

Dr. Nabila Zaka is based in Islamabad and has more than twenty-seven years of national and international public health work to her credit. Quality of health care, medical anthropology, human rights and gender are her strong interests. She has used illness narratives to highlight the interplay of culture, women's aspirations and care-seeking.