Gender shapes people’s health in many ways: whether they can access care, how they are treated, what barriers they face, and whose needs are recognised in health systems.
This infographic offers a clear overview of why gender matters in health. It highlights how gender-related barriers affect access to healthcare, sexual and reproductive health and rights, experiences of violence, leadership, economic security and health research. It also points to practical ways health systems can become more inclusive, responsive and effective for everyone.
For readers who want to explore the evidence and examples in more depth, Cordaid’s accompanying background paper, Gender & Health: Why Taking Gender into Account Is Essential for Effective Health Systems, provides further analysis and examples from Cordaid’s work in fragile and conflict-affected settings.