Addressing Financial Hardship to Advance Gender Equality and UHC

Gender is a critical determinant of health, and addressing gender inequalities is essential to improving health outcomes and access to services. Globally, gender bias in healthcare often results in women’s health being underfunded, under-researched, and poorly understood. As a result, women and girls face higher risks of infections, diseases, and preventable deaths, particularly during pregnancy and childbirth. This results in women often suffering from conditions that could have been prevented or treated if their health concerns were adequately prioritized. Gender inequalities also limit access to health services, particularly for women and girls, who are often more vulnerable to inequities arising from the unequal distribution of power, money, and resources in societies.

The financial barriers to healthcare further exacerbate gender-based disparities. Socioeconomic factors, including poverty, lack of education, and limited employment opportunities, disproportionately affect women’s access to essential medicines and services. These barriers not only worsen health outcomes for women but also contribute to broader cycles of inequality that hinder economic and social development. Evidence increasingly shows that addressing these barriers through gender-responsive health financing policies is crucial. Financial protection measures that consider the specific needs of women and other genders are essential to achieving equitable access to healthcare and improving overall health outcomes.

This session will delve into the intersection of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and gender equality, exploring how the two are inextricably linked. During this session, panelists will discuss the importance of integrating gender considerations into health system design and financing policies. They will share insights on how gender-responsive financial protection measures can address key challenges and highlight practical strategies and policy recommendations for ensuring that efforts towards achieving UHC contribute to gender equality, ultimately leading to healthier, more inclusive societies where health services are accessible and equitable for all.