Women and health: challenges and opportunities

Women around the world live longer than men – but they also spend about 25% more of their lives dealing with health issues. The gender health gap isn’t a matter of biology but is the fault of a healthcare system historically designed around the male body, with too little attention paid to the reality of women’s lives. Studies show that women are more likely than men to experience chronic, non-fatal illnesses such as autoimmune diseases, migraines or depression.

Only 8% of research dollars are spent on women’s health

A major driver of the gender health gap is the systematic underrepresentation of women in medical research. Only a small fraction of global research funding goes to investigating conditions that disproportionately – or solely – affect women. This lack of gender-specific data means that therapies and medications are often developed using male reference values, leaving women with less effective treatments and at a higher risk of side effects.

Waiting times for a diagnosis five times longer

These deficits in research carry over into routine medical care. For many conditions, women wait much longer for a diagnosis and are more likely to be misdiagnosed or told their symptoms aren’t serious. Such bias is most pronounced when it comes to the treatment of pain and cardiovascular diseases. Women’s symptoms are more often dismissed as psychological, leading to delayed treatment and worse health outcomes. This is a structural issue, not a consequence of individual failings.

61% of women retire earlier than planned

Health disparities have a direct impact on women’s financial lives. For one, women end up spending on average 30% more on medications and treatments. Additionally, many health issues strike women in their prime working years, affecting their careers, income and ability to accumulate wealth. Chronic health issues, extended absences and unplanned early retirement mean lower savings and smaller pensions. Life stages like menopause can be especially pivotal, with health issues prompting some women to scale back their careers or exit the workforce earlier than planned.

Women perform 76% of all unpaid caregiving

On top of managing their own health challenges, women take on most of the unpaid caregiving and support work. This double burden increases stress, heightens the risk of sickness or burnout, while also limiting career opportunities. Unpaid caregiving is a major structural factor that widens the health and wealth divide.

USD 1 trillion in untapped global economic potential

Despite existing gaps, women’s health stands out as one of the largest untapped opportunities in healthcare and investing. The World Economic Forum estimates that by 2040, investing in women’s health could add USD 1 trillion per year to the world economy. Fields such as heart health, menopause, endometriosis and chronic diseases are still underfunded, yet demand is strong. The so-called “femtech” sector is also projected to grow by 16% over the next five years. It’s worth noting that women are responsible for 80% of decisions related to health. As women are set to control ever more wealth in the coming years thanks to upcoming transfers of wealth, they’ll be in a stronger position to invest directly in women’s health solutions.

What it means for health, the economy and society

The gender health gap can only be closed through systemic reform. This would include gender-specific research and data, a stronger focus on prevention and early detection and better medical treatment. Equally important is greater inclusion of women in research, leadership and innovation. A more equitable health system will improve not only women’s lives and health, but also the economy and society as a whole.