UN data shows that women around the world are still less likely to be taken seriously, diagnosed accurately or treated appropriately. From misdiagnosis to entrenched medical bias, shortcomings in health care systems are impacting women’s health, safety, and quality of life.
Although healthcare is a fundamental human right, it is not guaranteed for all – and inequality persists in one of the most important areas of everyday life.
Women are more likely to ignore their pain, misinterpret their symptoms, and have their conditions diagnosed too late. According For gender equality agency, un womenIt refers to a “medical system historically designed with women in mind”.
From the equipment used in examinations to the data that shapes diagnosis and treatment, these shortcomings are embedded in health care systems with real consequences.
what the data shows
UN Women says measurable progress has been made. Between 2000 and 2023, Maternal mortality rate declined By 40 percent, from 328 to 197 deaths per 100,000 live births..
teen Fertility rate per 1,000 girls aged 15-19 to fall from 66.3 to 38.3 between 2000 and 2024. Skilled birth attendance increased from 60.9 to 86.6 percent, and the proportion of women using modern family planning methods increased from 73.7 to 77.1 percent.
Yet these benefits are uneven. In least developed countries, teenage births to increase from 4.7 million in 2000 to 5.6 million in 2024.
Women also live longer than men – 3.8 years compared to 68.4 – but they spend more years in poor health. In 2021, women spent an average of 10.9 years in poor health, while men spent an average of 8.0 years.
This includes musculoskeletal disorders, gynecological diseases, chronic conditions like migraine and depression.
From misdiagnosis to medical bias, women are still less likely to be taken seriously, diagnosed or treated.
six inconvenient truths
1. Old equipment remains in use
The speculum, widely used in pelvic examinations, has changed little since its design in the 19th century. Despite advances in medicine, Many clinical tools have not been developed to prioritize women’s comfort, respect and safety.
Efforts to redesign such devices are emerging, particularly through women-led innovation, but adoption in public health care systems is limited.
2. Long life, poor health
Although women live longer, They spend a large part of their lives in poor health; About 25 percent more than men.
This often means chronic pain, fatigue, and prolonged experience of untreated conditions, as well as high rates of misdiagnosis.
3. Research and funding gap remains
have conditions affecting women Often under-researched and under-funded. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS), which affects most women and girls, receives comparatively less attention than conditions such as erectile dysfunction.
For decades this imbalance has shaped how women’s pain is understood, or misunderstood, dismissed, and often normalized and ignored.
Policy changes are emerging. In 2023, Spain joined several countries including Japan, Indonesia and Zambia in introducing paid menstrual leave. However, stigma and limited awareness still impact uptake.
4. Delayed diagnosis is common
Endometriosis affects about 1 in 10 women and girls globally – about 190 million people. Still, diagnosis may take time four and 12 years.
The delay represents a Pervasive patterns in which women’s pain is normalized or dismissedResulting in prolonged suffering and delayed treatment.
5. Historical exclusion from research
Until 1993, women were largely excluded from clinical trials. As a result, many treatments were developed based on male biology.
It has had a lasting impact. Women are more likely to experience adverse drug reactions, and symptoms may be misinterpreted. Conditions that predominantly affect women, including autoimmune diseases, are still not being researched.
The gap persists today, including in emerging technologies like AI, where datasets may still underrepresent women.
Recent research has highlighted the importance of integrating sex and gender into clinical studies – including the COVID-19 response – to ensure treatments are safe and effective for everyone.
Another issue is Women are underrepresented in healthcare leadership. This matters because women doctors and leaders often prioritize patient-centered care, evidence-based practices, and policies that improve women’s health outcomes.
6. Traits that don’t match the model
heart disease It is the leading cause of death in women. However, Widely recognized traits are based primarily on male patterns.
Women may experience various warning signs, including fatigue, nausea, shortness of breath, and pain in the jaw or back. These differences may lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment, increasing the risk of death.
Because symptoms are less recognized, in some cases women are sent home rather than treated.
way forward
These inequalities need to be addressed Health care systems that reflect women’s realities. This includes more inclusive research, better data, better diagnostic tools, and greater recognition of women’s symptoms and experiences.
It is also important to strengthen leadership by women. Evidence suggests that greater inclusion may improve patient outcomes and reduce mortality.
