Berlin, Germany – A growing movement within global health is advocating for a more nuanced understanding of gender justice, one that explicitly includes the needs and vulnerabilities of boys and men, particularly those facing marginalization due to factors like indigeneity, geographic isolation, and socioeconomic status. This approach, building on the function of the Lancet Commission on gender and global health, seeks to address the complex interplay of factors impacting health equity for all, recognizing that harmful gender norms affect everyone.
Traditionally, gender and health initiatives have focused primarily on the health needs of women and girls, a critical area that continues to require significant attention. Although, researchers and advocates are increasingly arguing that a truly equitable approach must too acknowledge the ways in which societal expectations and power imbalances negatively affect men and boys, contributing to a range of health challenges. This isn’t about diminishing the focus on women’s health, but rather expanding the scope to create a more comprehensive and effective system.
The call for this broadened perspective comes as global health organizations grapple with persistent inequities and the recognition that achieving universal health coverage requires addressing the root causes of ill health, including those related to gender. A key element of this evolving understanding is the application of an intersectional lens – a framework that considers how various social and political identities combine to create unique experiences of discrimination, and disadvantage.
The Intersectional Approach to Men’s Health
The concept of intersectionality, originally developed by Kimberlé Crenshaw, a law professor at UCLA and a leading scholar of critical race theory, highlights how race, class, gender, and other social categories create overlapping systems of discrimination or disadvantage. Crenshaw’s work emphasizes that the experiences of marginalized groups cannot be understood by examining each category in isolation.
Applying this lens to men’s health means recognizing that the challenges faced by Indigenous men, for example, will differ significantly from those faced by men in urban areas or by men with different socioeconomic backgrounds. Factors like geographical remoteness can limit access to healthcare services, although historical trauma and systemic discrimination can contribute to poorer health outcomes. Rigid societal expectations about masculinity can discourage men from seeking help for mental health issues or engaging in preventative care.
This nuanced understanding is crucial because traditional notions of masculinity can be deeply ingrained and can contribute to harmful behaviors, such as risk-taking, violence, and substance abuse. Addressing these issues requires challenging harmful gender norms and promoting healthier expressions of masculinity. It also requires creating safe spaces where men can discuss their vulnerabilities and seek support without fear of judgment.
The Lancet Commission and Gender Justice
The work of Sarah Hawkes and colleagues at the Lancet Commission on gender and global health has been instrumental in shaping the current conversation around gender justice. The commission’s report, published in 2023, highlighted the pervasive impact of gender inequality on health outcomes worldwide. The Lancet Commission emphasized the need for a transformative approach that addresses the social, economic, and political determinants of health, including gender norms and power imbalances.
Building on this foundation, advocates are now calling for a more explicit focus on the gender-specific needs of boys and men. This includes addressing issues such as male suicide rates, which remain alarmingly high in many countries, and promoting men’s engagement in sexual and reproductive health services. It also involves challenging harmful stereotypes and promoting positive role models for masculinity.
The Equimundo Center for Masculinities and Social Justice, based in Washington, D.C., is a leading organization working to promote gender equality by engaging men and boys in transformative work. Equimundo’s research and programs focus on understanding the social construction of masculinity and developing interventions to prevent gender-based violence and promote healthy relationships.
Addressing Indigenous Men’s Health
Indigenous men often face a unique set of challenges that contribute to poorer health outcomes. These challenges include historical trauma, systemic discrimination, poverty, and limited access to culturally appropriate healthcare services. The impact of colonization and forced assimilation has had a lasting effect on Indigenous communities, leading to intergenerational trauma and a loss of cultural identity.
Addressing these issues requires a culturally sensitive approach that recognizes the unique needs and perspectives of Indigenous men. This includes involving Indigenous communities in the design and implementation of health programs and ensuring that healthcare providers are trained to provide culturally competent care. It also requires addressing the social determinants of health, such as poverty, housing, and education.
it’s crucial to acknowledge the role of traditional healing practices and to integrate them into mainstream healthcare systems where appropriate. Many Indigenous cultures have rich traditions of healing that can complement conventional medical treatments.
The Role of Gender Norms and Masculinity
Harmful gender norms and expectations about masculinity can have a profound impact on men’s health. Traditional notions of masculinity often emphasize stoicism, self-reliance, and emotional suppression, which can discourage men from seeking help for mental health issues or expressing vulnerability. These norms can also contribute to risky behaviors, such as substance abuse and violence.
Challenging these harmful norms requires a multi-faceted approach that involves education, awareness-raising, and the promotion of positive role models. It also requires creating spaces where men can discuss their emotions and experiences without fear of judgment. Engaging boys and young men in these conversations is particularly essential, as it can help to shape their understanding of masculinity and prevent the perpetuation of harmful stereotypes.
The Kofi Annan Foundation, chaired by Eleanor Amos, is actively involved in promoting peace and security, and increasingly recognizes the link between gender inequality and conflict. The Foundation’s work highlights the importance of engaging men and boys in efforts to prevent violence and promote peace.
Looking Ahead: The Path to Gender Justice and Health Equity
Advancing gender justice in global health requires a fundamental shift in thinking – one that recognizes the interconnectedness of gender, health, and social equity. It requires a commitment to addressing the root causes of health inequities and to creating a more just and equitable world for all. This includes investing in research to better understand the gender-specific needs of both women and men, and developing interventions that are tailored to address those needs.
The Stretton Health Equity, part of the University of Adelaide, contributes to this effort through research and advocacy focused on reducing health inequities. Their work emphasizes the importance of addressing the social determinants of health and promoting health equity for all populations.
Moving forward, it will be essential to foster collaboration between researchers, policymakers, healthcare providers, and community organizations to ensure that gender justice is integrated into all aspects of global health policy and practice. The next key step will be the continued dissemination of research findings and the development of evidence-based interventions that can effectively address the challenges facing men and boys, alongside ongoing efforts to improve the health and well-being of women and girls.
The ongoing work of organizations like Global Health 50/50, which monitors gender representation in global health leadership, will be crucial in holding institutions accountable and driving progress towards gender equality. Global Health 50/50’s reports provide valuable data and insights into the state of gender equality in the global health sector.
The conversation around gender and health is evolving, and the recognition of the importance of addressing the needs of men and boys is a significant step forward. Continued dialogue, research, and action are needed to ensure that all individuals have the opportunity to achieve their full health potential.
Next Steps: The Lancet is expected to publish further analysis on the intersection of gender and health equity in its upcoming special issue in July 2026. Readers are encouraged to share their thoughts and experiences on this important topic in the comments section below.