The working group Women Leaders in Healthcare (WLHC) organized the event “Health Does Have a Gender” in November to address the female health gap and its impact on social and economic sectors.
Women Leaders in Healthcare is a group driven by female leaders in Spain who aim to build and contribute solutions to current and future problems across all sectors influenced by health.
During the event, professionals from various sectors analyzed the situation in Spain regarding the gender health gap as a structural issue, the impact of bias in the diagnosis and treatment of women, and its economic and political implications.
At the debate held in Madrid, women from different fields called for the creation of a National Health Strategy with a Gender Perspective.
The impact of the lack of differential research on women’s health
Historically, 80% of medical studies have focused on men or failed to differentiate results by sex.
This lack of differential research means that many diseases are diagnosed and treated based on a male model, ignoring the specificities of the female body.
As a result, women are 50% more likely to be misdiagnosed when experiencing, for example, a heart attack.
According to Inmaculada Gil Rabadán, General Manager of Daiichi Sankyo Spain, “Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death among women in our country, and gender differences in healthcare have been identified as a contributing factor to these outcomes.”
Data show that 35% of female deaths are related to cardiovascular problems, highlighting the urgency of addressing this issue with a more inclusive and specific perspective.
“Additionally,” Gil continues, “women are underrepresented in cardiovascular clinical trials. It is urgent to change policies and practices in women’s cardiovascular care, especially considering that, for example, 74% of men receive treatment for cholesterol compared to only 54% of women.”
Regarding family and household care, between 70% and 90% of this unpaid work is provided by women, restricting the time they can dedicate to their own health and well-being, including attending medical appointments and preventive care. In fact, 60% of women report delaying or canceling medical appointments due to family responsibilities.
The economic impact of the gender health gap in europe
It is estimated that the economic cost of poor health in European countries is equivalent to 7% of their GDP, underscoring that policies improving population health could significantly benefit the economy.
A society with poor health is detrimental to the economy. A timely example is the high absenteeism rates in Spain.
According to a report from the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE), women with chronic illnesses have an absenteeism rate 40% higher than men, directly impacting productivity and the overall economy.
Anna García Altes, President of the Spanish Association of Health Economics, stated during the event that “the cost of cardiovascular diseases among women in Spain exceeds €20 billion annually.” She further highlighted that “reducing the female health gap could save over €10 billion annually in Europe by improving prevention and treatment for women.”
Improvements in these areas could boost the global economy by $1 trillion by 2040, thanks to fewer premature deaths, fewer health problems, and greater capacity for women to contribute to the economy and society.
In conclusion, “for every dollar invested in women’s health, three dollars of economic growth could be generated,” García emphasized.
Women with chronic illnesses have an absenteeism rate 40% higher than men, directly impacting productivity and the overall economy.
Public policies: towards structural change
One of the key takeaways from the event is that closing the female health gap requires policies promoting equity in medical research and healthcare.
Rosa Romero, President of the Senate Equality Commission, remarked, “It is crucial to include more women in clinical trials and train professionals on gender bias.” “This,” Romero continued, “would not only improve the quality of care and the development of more effective, tailored treatments but also contribute to the well-being of society as a whole.”
In addition to these measures, Romero stressed the need to bring greater attention to mental health issues in women, which are often underdiagnosed, and to incorporate gender equity criteria into healthcare system planning.
“Finally,” Romero concluded, “none of this will be possible without increased collaboration across sectors to design policies that comprehensively address inequalities in women’s health.”
The issue, in numbers
Some of the key data highlighted at the event include:
- Women with chronic illnesses have an absenteeism rate 40% higher than men, affecting productivity and, consequently, the economy.
- Between 70% and 90% of family and household care is provided by women, limiting their time for medical care.
- Policies promoting equity in medical research and healthcare are needed to close the gap.
- Closing the health gap would allow 3.9 billion women worldwide to gain up to 500 days of healthy living.