Women as providers of health care.

The intent of this publication is to create a broader awareness among people in general as well as and decision-makers of the extent of womens contribution to national health development and the obstacles they face both within and outside the formal health system. It also seeks to create more awareness of the sources of the imbalance between men and women in the extent and nature of their participation in health care. Information is provided about the basic factors to be considered in the development of a longterm strategy to improve the socioeconomic status of women health care providers. the publication else seeks to guide women and men to plan relevant action and to prepare proposals for funding and other forms of support. Women outnumber men as health care providers both within and outside the family and in formal and non- formal settings. Gender-role differentiation is responsible for a sexual division of labor in the family and in the formal labor market. Due to the major contributions women make to peoples health education and wellbeing a change in attitude is indicated. The accomplishments of women in the health care field should be recognized valued and rewarded rather than concealed denied and trivialized.