The Women’s Health Gap

In January 2026, a major global report revealed that women’s health is still significantly underfunded, even though women make up almost half the world’s population. The funding gap highlights the deep gender inequality in health care access, research priorities, and economic opportunity.

According to the World Economic Forum’s Women’s Health Investment Outlook, released on January 20, 2026, women’s health accounts for only 6% of health care investment, despite women's active participation in the healthcare sector (“New Report Calls for Stronger Evidence and Transparency to Unlock Investment in Women’s Health”).

Most of this limited funding is focused on reproductive and maternal health, while other severe conditions affecting women receive far less attention. Diseases such as Alzheimer’s, osteoporosis, endometriosis, PCOS, and menopause are underfunded despite affecting millions of women worldwide (“New Report Calls for Stronger Evidence and Transparency to Unlock Investment in Women’s Health”).

The lack of investment has real consequences, as women are more likely than men to spend more time in their lives in poor health or living with disability, partly because medical research and treatment standards were historically based on male bodies.

Experts argue that closing this gap would not only improve women’s quality of life but also benefit economies worldwide. Also, investing in women’s health could open significant economic growth while advancing gender equality and women's rights.

Beyond health outcomes, the underinvestment in women’s health also affects women's economic stability and independence. While chronic conditions are ignored or poorly treated, women may miss school, miss opportunities, and face higher medical costs due to opportunity gaps and existing gender pay gaps. The World Economic Forum notes that underfunded women’s health conditions consequently reduce workforce participation and productivity.

Additionally, many advocates point out that women are often excluded from leadership and decision-making roles in health care research and investment due to gender imbalance. Increasing women’s voices in medical research, policy, and innovation is seen as a step towards more equitable healthcare systems.

As global movements and efforts continue to push for justice and equality for women and girls, addressing inequality in healthcare remains a crucial issue that is yet to be fixed to ensure that women’s rights are fully recognized and protected (“International Women’s Day 2026 - IF Global”).