Over the past century, society has undergone significant transformations, embracing a new framework and understanding of equality. Global institutions have set a precedent, highlighting the need for a shift in perspectives and the functioning of the world. Gender mainstreaming emerges as a powerful tool, enabling the (re)organization, improvement, development, and evaluation of policy processes. Its goal is to incorporate a gender equality perspective into all policies at all levels and stages, involving the actors typically engaged in policy-making. This inclusive approach facilitates the necessary change to take root.

However, the health sector still requires this transformative process. Gender-relevant criteria, current circumstances, and trends emphasize the need to address the presence of pervasive inequality and gender biases within the sector. These factors contribute to negative health outcomes for all individuals, particularly women and girls. The impact is felt across multiple areas, including access to healthcare, workplace health, research, diagnosis, and even in specific contexts such as the Covid-19 pandemic.

Studies have revealed concerning disparities in healthcare. Women are often diagnosed later and experience worse outcomes compared to men. For instance, the diagnosis of diabetes in women takes approximately four and a half years longer than in men. Similarly, women are typically diagnosed with cancer around two and a half years later than men.

While it is true that women may, on average, experience higher morbidity rates in certain health outcomes, it is crucial to consider the experiences of marginalized groups of men. These individuals may face compounding impacts of poverty, racism, and other forms of social disadvantage, resulting in worse health outcomes. It is essential to move beyond simplistic binary comparisons (such as women vs. men, rich vs. poor, black vs. white) and acknowledge the complex interplay of multiple forms of deprivation and their consequences for health.

Moreover, LGBTQ individuals have faced long-standing discrimination within healthcare systems, leading to concerns and apprehensions in seeking necessary care. Historically, homosexuality was classified as a disorder until 1973, and transgender identity was pathologized until the 2013 revision of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). Reparative or conversion therapy, aimed at eliminating homosexuality, remains prevalent despite being rejected by major medical organizations. Additionally, HIV/AIDS, once stigmatized as a "gay disease," still faces lingering misconceptions and fears among healthcare providers.

The burden of caregiving, predominantly assumed by women due to societal norms and gender constructs, places a heavier load on them compared to men. This disparity was particularly evident during the COVID-19 crisis, where women carried a greater responsibility for childcare even while continuing to work.

In the realm of research, three significant phenomena hinder progress and understanding in health and its consequences. Androcentrism, consciously or unconsciously giving men and their perspectives central positions in society, culture, and history, perpetuates biases. Gender insensitivity, the failure to incorporate the sex variable and gender dimension in research, assumes a lack of differences or inequalities concerning the object of analysis. Double standards further exacerbate the issue by applying different measures or criteria to situations or problems that are essentially similar or identical between sexes, relying on stereotypes or biased assumptions (e.g., biological determinism).

Join Genderscope in advancing gender equality in the health sector. By dismantling these barriers and embracing a holistic and inclusive approach, we can ensure equitable access to quality healthcare for all individuals, irrespective of their gender or sexual identities.