Ensuring gender-responsive health systems

Universal health coverage (UHC) is based on principles of equity. However, even a well-functioning health system striving towards UHC is not necessarily equitable and gender-responsive. Health systems are not gender neutral; structures and processes of oppression and discrimination that exist in society reproduced in health systems.

UHC can only truly be achieved if gender and other drivers of inequalities within health systems are actively considered and addressed. UHC efforts must focus on reaching the most vulnerable people whom services are not reaching, such as marginalized, stigmatized and geographically isolated people of all ages. 

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. Women also disproportionately work in unpaid informal roles, lacking social protection. While the informal health workforce supports entire health systems, health care providers are rarely recognized, undervalued and lack social and financial protection.

Formulating gender-transformative policies and health professional regulations through all levels of health governance would help achieve gender parity and gender equality in the workplace, increase women in leadership and decision-making roles and ensure decent work conditions for all.