Women’s health is still unequally protected worldwide – with far-reaching consequences for society as a whole. Women are exposed to particular health risks at many stages of their lives, whether due to biological differences, social role models or structural barriers to accessing care. Studies show that around 70% of all chronic pain patients are women – but they are treated much less frequently. Drugs are still predominantly tested on male test subjects, although women suffer more frequently from side effects. There are also major differences in the area of mental health: women are twice as likely to suffer from depression – but often do not receive gender-sensitive support. These gaps in care are not only a medical problem, but also a social problem that needs targeted answers.
Sexual and reproductive health remains a central field of action. According to the UNFPA, around 270 million women worldwide have no access to modern contraceptives, and every day around 800 women die from preventable complications during pregnancy and childbirth. Early marriage, lack of sex education and poor health infrastructure exacerbate the situation of many women and girls – especially in low-income countries. The protection of reproductive self-determination is therefore essential for equal rights, education and economic participation.
The member companies and organizations of the GHA work together to strengthen women’s health holistically across all stages of life. They develop customized medical products and technologies, create digital access to health information, are committed to improving the data basis in research and healthcare and work together with NGOs on projects that empower women worldwide. The aim is to close systemic gaps and promote healthcare solutions that take gender equality in healthcare seriously.
The GHA works on this topic with international and national partner organizations for the UNFPA Women X Collective. We are building networks to develop solutions together and raise political awareness of the challenges.