Gender equality in Health and Healthcare: Consequences, Measurement, and Pathways to Equity

Abstract

Equality in health is about women and men have equal conditions for realizing their full rights and potential to be healthy, contribute to health development, and benefit from the results.  Gender equality in health is a fundamental human rights principle and an essential component of equitable development. It ensures that all genders have equal opportunities to achieve optimal health, access healthcare services, and participate in health-related decision-making. Gender, as a socially constructed system of roles, norms, and power relations, significantly influences health outcomes throughout the life course. Persistent gender inequalities disproportionately affect women, girls, and gender-diverse individuals, exposing them to higher risks of violence, discrimination, poor mental health, and limited access to essential health services. These disparities are reinforced by social determinants of health such as education, income, employment, and cultural norms. Gender inequality also affects men by promoting harmful stereotypes that encourage risk-taking behaviors and discourage health-seeking practices. Within healthcare systems, gender inequity contributes to knowledge gaps, delayed diagnoses, inadequate treatment, and underrepresentation of women in leadership positions, resulting in poorer health outcomes. Advancing gender equality is critical for reducing health disparities and achieving inclusive and sustainable health systems. Though, there has been progress over the last decades, but the world is not on track to achieve gender equality by 2030. Commitment and bold action are essential to accelerate progress through the promotion of laws, policies, budgets and institutions that advance gender equality.