When it comes to health equity, the conversation often revolves around access to care, socioeconomic status, and cultural competence. However, there's an aspect that deserves its own spotlight—women's health. As an OB/GYN physician, I have been passionate about women’s health both personally and professionally.  While women make up roughly half the population, their unique health needs are often marginalized or overlooked. In this installment of our series on health equity, we explore why focusing on women's health is not just a gender issue but a cornerstone of health equity as a whole.

The Double Burden: Gender and Health Disparities

Women face a unique set of challenges that intersect between gender and health. From reproductive rights to maternal mortality rates to gender-specific conditions like endometriosis, the issues are multifaceted and complex. These challenges often serve as a magnifying glass for broader health disparities within a community.

Unequal Treatment: The Bias Factor

Implicit bias isn't just a problem in race relations; it's an issue in gender as well. Studies show that healthcare providers sometimes downplay or misinterpret symptoms reported by women, leading to delayed or inappropriate treatment. This gender bias in healthcare contributes to a larger problem of inequity that needs urgent addressing.

Beyond Reproductive Rights: The Full Spectrum of Women's Health

While reproductive health is a significant aspect, women's health extends far beyond it. Consider the disproportionate impact of mental health issues among women or the often-underdiagnosed conditions like heart disease. Elevating women's health involves a holistic understanding that goes beyond reproductive issues.

The Ripple Effect: How Women's Health Impacts Communities

Women often serve as primary caregivers in their families, influencing health choices and access to healthcare for their children, partners, and aging relatives. When a woman's health suffers, the ripple effect can impact the broader community. Ensuring women have equitable access to healthcare doesn't just benefit them; it benefits society at large.

Policy Matters: The Need for Gender-Sensitive Legislation

Effective advocacy for women's health is crucial for the push toward health equity. This could involve backing policies that ensure comprehensive sex education, access to birth control, and gender-sensitive research. Without inclusive policies, achieving health equity remains an uphill battle.

Time to Take Action: Your Role in Promoting Women's Health Equity

What can you do to push the needle toward gender-inclusive health equity?

Awareness: Educate your community about the importance of women's health in achieving health equity.

Advocate: Lend your voice to policies that impact women's health positively.

Partner: Collaborate with organizations focused on women’s health to amplify the impact.

Conclusion: The Future of Health Equity Includes Women

Women's health is not a stand-alone issue; it's an integral part of the health equity puzzle. Whether you're a healthcare provider, a policymaker, or a concerned citizen, recognizing and acting on the unique health needs of women is a step forward in the broader quest for health equity. When women's health improves, the health of the community follows suit. It’s time to make women's health a central part of the dialogue on health equity. The time for change is now.

Denise Johnson, M. D. is an OB/GYN Physician, Health Equity Consultant, Former Physician General of Pennsylvania and a passionate advocate for Health as a Human Right.