Women’s Health and Wellbeing

Topic Area

Women’s Health and Wellbeing

UNDP Gender Inequality Index by country

The Gender Inequality Index is a composite metric of gender inequality using three dimensions: reproductive health, empowerment, and the labor market. A low index value indicates low inequality between women and men, and vice versa. UNDP

The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on this map do not imply official endorsement or acceptance by Exemplars in Global Health.

Investing in women’s health and wellbeing (WHW) across the life course can improve health outcomes and financial opportunities for families, communities, entire economies, and future generations. These investments are also crucial to achieving all of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Yet we lack the framework or tools for measuring outcomes and developing strategies to address the substantial sex and gender-based barriers that continue to affect women’s wellbeing today.

Quick facts on women’s health and wellbeing

Women’s health and wellbeing across the life course is influenced by a variety of factors, including formal and informal employment, education, and legal rights. Sex-based disparities impede economic progress and compromise overall health and development in communities and countries.

20%

If gender employment gaps were closed, GDP per capita could, on average, increase by almost 20%.

US$15–$30 T

The World Bank estimates that limited educational opportunities combined with barriers to school completion for girls cost countries between US$15 trillion and US$30 trillion in lost lifetime productivity and earnings.