Innovating to Close the Gender Health Gap

For decades, medical research has been shaped by an androcentric model. This has contributed to persistent disparities in women’s health outcomes across conditions that affect them differently, disproportionately, or uniquely — ranging from communicable and autoimmune diseases to gynecological disorders. Both biological sex differences and the influence of gender roles have long been overlooked.

Neglecting these dimensions in biomedical research and pharmaceutical development represents a missed opportunity — not only to safeguard the health and rights of half the world’s population, but also to realize significant economic benefits. Closing the gender health gap could add as much as $1 trillion to the global economy annually by 2040.

Bridging gaps in data, research, and investment requires a concerted, cross-sector effort to systematically integrate sex and gender into research and innovation. This extends from inclusive clinical trials to dedicated financing in women’s health R&I, including sexual and reproductive health.

This session will examine the pivotal role of research and innovation in narrowing the gender health gap, advancing women’s health worldwide, and identifying collective actions to drive lasting change.