Care as resilience: gender challenges in the humanization of intensive care

Abstract

The humanization approach in healthcare aims to restore individuals’ dignity by emphasizing the importance of the relationship between professionals and patients and promoting the involvement of social support networks in the recovery process. However, caregiving—which is crucial for patient recovery—disproportionately falls on women, leading to a feminization of these responsibilities. This phenomenon is often overlooked in the strategic frameworks of humanization, perpetuating gender inequalities in healthcare. As part of the healthcare team, it is essential to reflect on existing gender inequalities in order to develop more inclusive and effective health strategies, where caregiving is recognized both as a form of resistance and a vital element for survival.