Gender refers to the characteristics of women, men, girls and boys that are socially constructed. This includes norms, behaviours and roles associated with being a woman, man, girl or boy, as well as relationships with each other. As a social construct, gender varies from society to society and can change over time. Gender is hierarchical and produces inequalities that intersect with other ...
Gender norms, roles and relations, and gender inequality and inequity, affect people’s health all around the world. This Q&A examines the links between gender and health, highlighting WHO’s ongoing work to address gender-related barriers to healthcare, advance gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls in all their diversity, and achieve health for all.
Gender refers to the characteristics of women, men, girls and boys that are socially constructed. This includes norms, behaviours and roles associated with being a woman, man, girl or boy, as well as relationships with others. As a social construct, gender varies from society to society and can change over time. Gender is hierarchical and produces inequalities that intersect with other social ...
Gender inequality remains a critical challenge in the health sector. Although women make up most of the health workforce, few women are in leadership roles. Compared with men, they are underpaid, underrepresented in decision-making positions and frequently experience gender-based discrimination, violence and harassment.
Many survivors of gender-based violence in humanitarian emergencies face immense hurdles to access essential health care and support services – whether because of destruction of infrastructure, dangers of moving through conflict zones, or fear of stigma or reprisals. Violence against women and girls is preventable.
As the world marks the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action on Women – a landmark blueprint for gender equality – progress remains frustratingly slow. If we are to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, we must place women at the centre of global health transformation.Well-functioning health systems are the foundation of gender equality. When health care ...
A new report published by the World Health Organization (WHO), “Fair share for health and care: gender and the undervaluation of health and care work" illustrates how gender inequalities in health and care work negatively impact women, health systems and health outcomes.
WHO report reveals gender inequalities at the root of global crisis in ...