As International Women’s Day approaches, the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action on Women, a landmark blueprint for gender equality, shows that progress towards achieving gender parity remains slow
A strong health system is a significant part of gender equality. When health care is accessible, equitable, and responsive, women and girls can lead healthier lives and gain equal opportunities in all areas.
Although significant changes have been made, placing women at the centre of global health transformation is essential to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
However, significant barriers continue to place women at a higher health risk, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. These barriers persist across various aspects of women’s health, which are distinct and evolve at different life stages.
Health challenges faced by women
Women face unique health challenges, including reproductive and maternal health issues, mental health, non-communicable diseases (NCDs), and ageing.
These needs, however, are often underfunded or ignored. One of the most obvious examples is household air pollution, which disproportionately affects women.
In many low-income areas, women are exposed to harmful pollutants from household fuels, placing them at a 46% higher risk of developing cataracts compared to women who are not exposed.
NCDs, such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and respiratory conditions, are responsible for two-thirds of deaths among women, particularly in lower-income countries.
Another issue is the ongoing global crisis of violence against women, which severely impacts their health and well-being.
Research shows that one in three women worldwide will experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime. This crisis also extends to the health and care workforce, where nearly a quarter of all workplace violence occurs in health settings, disproportionately affecting women. Social determinants like income, education, and nutrition further impact the health of women and girls.
In 2020, malnutrition among pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and adolescent girls increased by 25% in 12 countries hardest hit by the global food and nutrition crisis, putting nearly 7 million women and girls at risk.
Ageing is also a critical health issue for women. While women generally live longer than men, they tend to spend more of those years in poor health, suffering from higher morbidity rates. This shows the urgent need for health systems that extend life expectancy and improve women’s overall quality of life.
Women’s positions within the healthcare systems
Women comprise 67% of the global health and care workforce and are essential in addressing the projected shortfall of 11.1 million health workers by 2030.
Despite their important contributions, women in the health sector often face pay inequality, earning 24% less than their male counterparts, even when factors like experience and education are considered.
The pay gap is even more evident for mothers and women from marginalised backgrounds. These disparities are not unavoidable, and policies supporting women’s rights, equality, and empowerment in the health sector can drive systemic change.
To ensure proper progress, women must be caregivers, leaders, and decision-makers within the health system.
Women’s leadership is key to driving policy change, securing investments in women’s health research, and ensuring gender-responsive healthcare.
Health systems must prioritise women’s and girls’ health needs while supporting their full participation in the workforce. By doing this, we can close the gender gaps in healthcare and move towards a more equitable world.
As the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration reminds us, now is the time to transform commitments into action. Women’s health needs and their advancement in the health workforce must be central to the next phase of global health reforms.
