Conceptual uses of gender and vulnerability in public policies for the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and Cervical Cancer in Mexico

Abstract

The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) currently represents one of the most relevant sexual health problems worldwide, since at least, 80% of the sexually active population might acquire it at any time. Prevalence and injuries are more present among women, where this virus might cause cervical cancer. For three decades ago, several international health organizations as well as countries have adopted a feminist agenda at incorporating gender perspective to pay attention to these and other women’s sexual health issues. The objective of this text is to analyze from a feminist perspective the uses of gender and vulnerability in some documents written by the WHO, the PAHO and the Mexican Health Secretariat for HPV and cervical cancer treatment. Throughout textual analyses to health attention documents, it is highlighted that these uses of vulnerability that Mexican women are exposed to need perspectives that shed light on women’s agency. It is also emphasized the necessity to incorporate men to these public policies.