Gender refers to the social relationships between males and females in terms of their roles, behaviours, activities, attributes and opportunities, and which are based on different levels of power. Gender interacts with, but is distinct from, the binary categories of biological sex. In this paper we consider how gender interacts with the 2030 agenda for sustainable development, including sustainable development goal (SDG) 3 and its targets for health and well-being, and the impact on health equity. We propose a conceptual framework for understanding the interactions between gender (SDG 5) and health (SDG 3) and 13 other SDGs, which influence health outcomes. We explore the empirical evidence for these interactions in relation to three domains of gender and health: gender as a social determinant of health; gender as a driver of health behaviours; and the gendered response of health systems. The paper highlights the complex relationship between health and gender, and how these domains interact with the broad 2030 agenda. Across all three domains (social determinants, health behaviours and health system), we find evidence of the links between gender, health and other SDGs. For example, education (SDG 4) has a measurable impact on health outcomes of women and children, while decent work (SDG 8) affects the rates of occupation-related morbidity and mortality, for both men and women. We propose concerted and collaborative actions across the interlinked SDGs to deliver health equity, health and well-being for all, as well as to enhance gender equality and women's empowerment. These proposals are summarized in an agenda for action.

Gender, health and the 2030 agenda for sustainable development

1. The strength of the Global Fund is contained in its values, of which ethics and integrity are integral. A strong ethics and integrity program engenders stakeholder trust in the Global Fund, and moreover safeguards resources dedicated to health through the creation of an integrated compliance and anti-corruption program, supported by communication, monitoring and oversight. To reach and maintain high standards of ethical conduct, the Global Fund’s core ethical values must be fully integrated into its culture and activities, including its grant programs, and complied with by all entrusted with Global Fund resources and/or responsibilities. 2. This Ethics and Integrity Framework sets out obligations that must be complied with by (i) Board and Committee Members, Board Alternates and Board delegation members (together, “Governance Officials”); (ii) Global Fund employees; and (iii) members of Global Fund advisory bodies (groups (i), (ii) and (iii) together, “Global Fund Officials”). However, these obligations apply also to all those involved in activities financed by the Global Fund, particularly in the implementation of grant programs.

Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria

To do or not to do.

Gender equality in science, medicine, and global health: where are we at and why does it matter?

Fragmented health systems in COVID-19: rectifying the misalignment between global health security and universal health coverage.

Challenges for the female academic during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Gender equity is imperative to the attainment of healthy lives and wellbeing of all, and promoting gender equity in leadership in the health sector is an important part of this endeavour. This empirical research examines gender and leadership in the health sector, pooling learning from three complementary data sources: literature review, quantitative analysis of gender and leadership positions in global health organisations and qualitative life histories with health workers in Cambodia, Kenya and Zimbabwe. The findings highlight gender biases in leadership in global health, with women underrepresented. Gender roles, relations, norms and expectations shape progression and leadership at multiple levels. Increasing women's leadership within global health is an opportunity to further health system resilience and system responsiveness. We conclude with an agenda and tangible next steps of action for promoting women's leadership in health as a means to promote the global goals of achieving gender equity.

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The role of women's leadership and gender equity in leadership and health system strengthening

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A growing chorus of voices are questioning the glaring lack of women in COVID-19 decision-making bodies. Men dominating leadership positions in global health has long been the default mode of governing. This is a symptom of a broken system where governance is not inclusive of any type of diversity, be it gender, geography, sexual orientation, race, socio-economic status or disciplines within and beyond health – excluding those who offer unique perspectives, expertise and lived realities. This not only reinforces inequitable power structures but undermines an effective COVID-19 response – ultimately costing lives.

By providing quantitative data, we critically assess the gender gap in task …

https://gh.bmj.com/content/bmjgh/5/10/e003549.full.pdf

Symptoms of a broken system: the gender gaps in COVID-19 decision-making

Act now: a call to action for gender equality in global health

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Epidemics function as a gendered vulnerability, and yet gender remains an afterthought in health security and pandemic response, including to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).1 Emerging data indicate that COVID-19 mortality is greater among men, but past experiences suggest that the socioeconomic impact of epidemics tends to be far greater for women. As a result, it is essential to assess the intersectional and gendered vulnerabilities in health emergencies. In addition, given the gender-skewed landscape of power and decision-making in global health, it is also critical to outline women’s leadership and role in such contexts.

Women are users of health services, and they are agents of change in health, making critical contributions as parents, front-line responders, health promoters, influencers, researchers, scientists and decision-makers. In China’s COVID-19 response, female nurses and community health workers were the first line of defence against the outbreak.1 Despite their major role, an interplay of power and privilege often results in women—particularly women from minority ethnic groups—being under-represented in …

https://gh.bmj.com/content/bmjgh/5/5/e002595.full.pdf

Roopa Dhatt

Papers

Challenges for the female academic during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The role of women's leadership and gender equity in leadership and health system strengthening

Symptoms of a broken system: the gender gaps in COVID-19 decision-making

Act now: a call to action for gender equality in global health

Off the back burner: diverse and gender-inclusive decision-making for COVID-19 response and recovery.