1 Why gender and equity matter in global health

1.1 Gender equity is everyone’s responsibility and everyone’s gain

Gender matters in global health. Gender inequality hurts everyone. … Gender determines our positions and roles in society [and therefore] impacts health and wellbeing, influencing both our own individual behaviours – what risks we take with our health, what risks we face and whether or not we seek healthcare – and how the health system responds to our needs when we are sick or need care and support… Gender equality will lead to equal opportunities for people of all genders, everywhere. And health policies and programmes that place gender equality at their core will lead to better health outcomes. Gender inequality is not inevitable.

(Adapted from Global Health 5050, n.d.)

Evidence shows that gender equality is critical to ensuring sustained peace and democracy around the world (UN Women, 2015). Despite gender and equity being one of the sustainable development goals, women’s rights and gender justice are increasingly politicised (IPPF, 2024; Harper et al., 2025). The Fleming Fund [Tip: hold Ctrl and click a link to open it in a new tab. (Hide tip)] has recognised that gender plays a significant role in AMR and antimicrobial use, and has put gender and equity at the heart of their work as a key strategic shift (Collins, 2023). It is therefore critical that, as you make progress through this course, you reflect on:

  • your own positionalities
  • the position of your institution with regards to gender and equity commitments and your national context
  • identifying any small actions you can take to become a champion for equity, which matters now more than ever.

Introduction

1.2 What is equity?