At the “Moshimo Fes Shibuya 2022” held on Saturday, September 3, a project “Women’s Wellness Action” was held to expand awareness of the health issues unique to women that women face every day and promote actions to solve them. from Shibuya" was held.
"Preparation and mindset to protect women's hearts and bodies in the event of a disaster"
Saturday, September 3, 2022 12:00-12:30
<Speakers>
Michiyo Ono (JOICFP Foundation)
Asahi Yamamoto (Mutant Wave)
Yuuki Oshima (Mutant Wave)
Masami Okawa (Mutant Wave)
Shinko Osada (Director and Secretary General of Future Design Shibuya)
"Women's Wellness Action from Shibuya", which started its activities on International Women's Day in March 2022, has the slogan "Women's health changes the world" and expands awareness of women's unique health issues that women face every day. It is a project that promotes action for resolution.
"Women's wellness" refers to a state in which a woman is healthy both physically and mentally. For example, the state in which a woman can take care of a sanitary napkin or a delicate zone during menstruation can be said to be in a state of wellness related to women's sexual rights. As a member of an international NGO, Ms. Ono says, "It becomes difficult to maintain women's wellness during disasters," based on her experience in providing support in numerous disaster areas such as the Great East Japan Earthquake.
Women in the affected areas are unable to live a normal life due to a disaster, and the trouble is that they cannot use water in their baths and toilets. “In such a situation, it is difficult for a woman to tell her that she is on her period. I have no choice but to spend time in secret,” said Ono.
In such a case, what women want is a napkin and a care kit for the delicate zone. For example, even if a toilet is prepared at an evacuation center, there is no guarantee that sanitary napkins will be provided. Also, in the event of a disaster, floods may wash away your home, and you may not be able to obtain the things you use in your daily life. As a countermeasure, Ms. Ono points out, "It is necessary to prepare to maintain women's wellness even in the event of a disaster."
On the other hand, in such a situation, what are the challenges in maintaining one's wellness in the case of FtM transgenders who are legally female to male?
In response to Ono's question, Oshima replied, "Because I don't have a male genitalia, it's hard to take a bath because it confuses people around me. It would be helpful if the government responded to such people." Mr. Yamamoto said, "We're always taking hormone injections to make us look like men. A friend told me that if you can't go to the hospital because of the earthquake, you won't be able to get injections. If that happens, menopausal symptoms will appear. It can also cause sleepiness and fatigue, which can lead to physical problems.Furthermore, if you do not change your family register, you may not be able to be placed in the same facility as a married couple.”
Upon hearing this, Mr. Okawa said, ``Honestly, I thought it was just one thing, and I haven't been very conscious of maintaining our wellness in the event of a disaster. I realized that," he replied.
In response to the opinions of the three, Mr. Ono pointed out, ``Emergency response inevitably lacks the perspective of diversity, just because the situation is different.'' “Since there are cases like this during disasters, it is important to assume situations where women can enjoy wellness on a regular basis. I didn't have it, so I realized that I need to think more about it."
On the other hand, Mr. Oshima said, "Some people don't want to publicize that they are transgender, and there are few people who talk about such issues. That's why if we actively communicate, we can create an environment where many people can live comfortably. I think it will be born," he said. Osada also said, ``By deepening the understanding of people with such sexuality, the number of people who support them will increase even when everyone panics due to a disaster.'' Agreed.
Osada also asked the three members of Mutant Wave, who go around schools all over the country and work on gender education, about what they would like to do as YouTubers in the future as earthquake countermeasures. At that time, she said, "Not only from the perspective of FtM, but also from the perspective of being a woman, I will convey the measures required in the event of a disaster."
At the end of the talk session, they also exchanged opinions on disaster prevention awareness in the future. Mr. Okawa said, "I would like to take this opportunity to think about what I can do when I am faced with a disaster, and what I can do for people other than myself." I was able to receive opinions from different perspectives. I realized once again how important it is to connect with people who have different perspectives when considering disaster countermeasures,” said Mr. Ono. .
As Mr. Okawa and Mr. Ono say, if we keep this in mind on a regular basis, we should be able to realize a society in which not only women but also people of various sexualities can enjoy wellness even in the event of a disaster.
