Women's health refers to the variety of physical, mental, and emotional issues that uniquely impacts upon women and their well-being, and the branch of medicine that focuses on their diagnosis and treatment.
This includes, but is not limited to, reproductive health, maternal health, and the prevention of diseases that disproportionately affect women, such as breast and cervical cancer. Women’s health and services devoted to it have long been under-valued, -researched, -developed, and -funded, yet they are critical in a functional and equal society and ensuring these are optimised is beneficial for all.
By improving women’s health, women are empowered to contribute effectively to their families and communities, which thereby increases the overall productivity of society. Conversely, poor women's health has significant consequences on both individual and wider levels. For example, conditions like endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which have been consistently overlooked, minimised, and remain thereby little understood, can impact quality of life, leading to chronic pain and emotional and mental health difficulties. On a societal level, impacts might include reduced workforce potential and economic productivity.
Improving women's health requires a multifaceted approach. Education and access to healthcare resources are paramount, on a global scale. Policy changes that promote equitable access to healthcare services, both physical and mental, are essential, alongside appropriate investment in these services. Community programs that advocate for women's health education and empowerment can also play a vital role in improving women’s health from the ground up. Reducing the gender health gap, achieving gender equality, and targeting sexism as it appears across society are all interlinked and would be advantageous to us all.
Further information and resources
Recommended books
- “The Female Factor: Making women’s health count – and what it means for you” by Dr Hazel Wallace – A thorough manual of women’s health and bodies, which have historically - and maladaptively - been considered merely secondary to and smaller versions of that of men.
- “Rebel Bodies: A guide to the gender health gap revolution” by Sarah Graham – Health journalist Sarah Graham investigates the gender health gap, listening to firsthand experiences of women let down by health services, and campaigners and doctors fighting for change, and considers how it might be closed.
- “Untamed: Stop Pleasing, Start Living” by Glennon Doyle – A revelatory book and memoir, which promotes the importance of women advocating for themselves and living an empowered life.
