Relevance of gender in the policy area

Gender plays a specific role both in the incidence and the prevalence of specific pathologies, as well as in their treatment and impact in terms of well-being and recovery. This is due to the interrelations between sex-related biological differences and socio-economic and cultural factors that affect the behaviour of women and men and their access to health services. Regarding the health policy field, it is of utmost importance to bear in mind the distinction between the concepts of ‘sex’ and ‘gender’. Health research and health policy need to adequately explore and address the combination of social and biological sources of differences in women’s and men’s health. An understanding of the interaction between sex and gender in the development and management of health and disease can benefit both sexes in terms of prevention, intervention and outcome. For example, gender medicine has made strong advances in explaining how the incorporation of gender issues into research can affect the medical understanding. This affects the treatment of heart disease, osteoporosis, arthritis and pain, among other conditions. Besides biological factors, social norms also affect the health status of women and men differently. Women are less likely to engage in risky health behaviour and consequently face fewer of the related illnesses and disabilities than men. 

However, they are more likely than men to present ‘invisible’ illnesses and disabilities which are often not adequately recognised by the healthcare system. Examples include depression, eating disorders, disabilities related to home accidents and sexual violence, as well as diseases and disabilities related to old age. The healthcare workforce is predominantly composed of women. However, women healthcare workers tend to occupy lower-status positions (e.g. nurses and midwives) and, at the same time, to be a minority among more highly trained health professionals (e.g. doctors and dentists). Women are also under-represented in managerial and decision-making positions in the sector. Moreover, due to the high presence of women in the healthcare sector, specific attention should be paid to gender-sensitive training and education in the sector.

Gender inequalities in the policy area – Main issues

• Gender differences in health status and behaviours
• Gender inequalities and barriers in terms of access to health services
• Sexual and reproductive health
• Gender segregation in the healthcare workforce
• Gender-sensitive training and education for health professionals.

Current Policy Priorities

• Promote health, prevent diseases and foster supportive environments for healthy lifestyles taking into account the ‘health in all policies’ principle
• Protect citizens from serious cross-border health threats
• Contribute to innovative, efficient and sustainable health systems
• Facilitate access to better and safer healthcare for citizens.