Gender and Healthcare Policy

Abstract

Gender equality and health equity are increasingly recognized as key to better --health for all'. Policy agendas now emphasize that when sufficient and appro- priate attention is given to gender issues, healthcare can make a positive difference to the health of men and women (Nature, 2010; WHO, 2009). Gen- der equality and equity are not only a matter of social justice and human rights (WHO, 201 la), but they could also improve the quality and efficiency of health systems and services. But, all too often, health reforms and new models of gov- erning fail to incorporate a gender perspective, and their effects on equity and gender equality are rarely evaluated.