Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Sociology
• Gender Studies

Context:

• Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
• North Kivu province
• Urban healthcare access challenges

Purpose:

• Investigate barriers to modern healthcare for women in Goma.
• Examine population and caregiver experiences and perceptions.
• Understand socio-cultural and gender-related impediments to healthcare utilization.

Summary:

• Healthcare access in Goma often requires spousal consent.
• Sexual harassment within facilities deters women from seeking care.
• Caregivers' norms influence service delivery, impacting women's health access.
• Vulnerable groups like young women, single mothers, and survivors of sexual violence face distinct obstacles.

Impact:

• Highlights gender-specific healthcare access disparities.
• Reveals the influence of cultural and religious norms on healthcare provision.
• Informs targeted interventions to improve women's health equity.
• Suggests further research on other marginalized groups for comprehensive understanding.