Lancet Commission Report: Gender Justice & Global Health Equity (2025)

Berlin, Germany – The pursuit of global health equity hinges on a fundamental, often overlooked, element: gender justice. A comprehensive report released in April 2025 by The Lancet Commission on Gender and Global Health underscores this critical connection, detailing a five-year review of the history and politics of gender justice within the global health system. The Commission’s findings, released on World Health Day 2025, aren’t simply a call for fairness. they are a recognition that ignoring gender dynamics undermines the effectiveness, legitimacy, and sustainability of global health initiatives. The Lancet Commission, comprised of a multidisciplinary group of experts, argues that a gender lens is essential for improving health outcomes for everyone.

For too long, health policies and interventions have operated under a gender-neutral guise, failing to account for the distinct experiences, needs, and vulnerabilities of individuals based on their gender. This oversight isn’t merely a matter of social justice; it has tangible, life-or-death consequences. Gender influences access to resources, opportunities, and quality healthcare, shaping health outcomes across the lifespan. The Commission’s report highlights how gender norms and power imbalances contribute to disparities in areas like maternal mortality, infectious disease transmission, and access to mental health services. Addressing these inequalities requires a systemic shift, moving beyond simply treating women and men as homogenous groups and acknowledging the intersectionality of gender with other social determinants of health, such as race, class, and geographic location.

The Intertwined Challenges of Gender and Global Health

The report doesn’t shy away from acknowledging the formidable challenges that lie ahead. The Commission notes that gender is increasingly being “weaponized, manipulated and politicised,” with damaging implications for communities worldwide. This manipulation manifests in various forms, from the rollback of reproductive rights to the denial of healthcare access based on gender identity. The politicization of gender also hinders research and funding for gender-specific health issues, perpetuating a cycle of neglect. A lack of understanding regarding the links between gender and health negatively affects health outcomes, creating barriers to effective interventions.

However, the report isn’t solely focused on the problems. It also identifies milestones of progress, demonstrating that positive change is possible. These include advancements in gender-responsive health policies, increased representation of women in leadership positions within the health sector, and growing awareness of the importance of gender equality in health research. The Commission emphasizes the require to build on these successes and accelerate progress towards gender justice. This requires a concerted effort from the global health community, governments, civil society organizations, and individuals alike.

A Five-Year Review: Unpacking the History and Politics

The five-year review underpinning the Lancet Commission’s report provides a crucial historical context for understanding the current state of gender and global health. The Commission examined how gender has been historically marginalized within the global health system, tracing the roots of these inequalities to colonial legacies, patriarchal structures, and discriminatory policies. The study, published in *The Lancet* on April 19, 2025, details how early global health initiatives often overlooked the specific health needs of women and girls, focusing instead on interventions targeted towards men. This bias has had lasting consequences, contributing to persistent gender disparities in health outcomes.

The review also highlighted the political dimensions of gender and health, examining how power dynamics and ideological conflicts have shaped health policies and funding priorities. The Commission found that gender equality in health is often undermined by competing interests and political agendas, making it tricky to achieve meaningful progress. The report stresses the importance of addressing these political barriers and advocating for policies that prioritize gender justice.

Moving Forward: Strengthening the Coalition for Gender Justice

The Commission’s report isn’t just an academic exercise; it’s a call to action. It urges the global health community and its allies to press forward for equality and justice, recognizing that gender justice is foundational to global health’s effectiveness. This requires a multi-pronged approach, encompassing policy changes, increased funding, and a shift in cultural norms. Specifically, the Commission recommends:

• Investing in gender-responsive health systems: This includes ensuring that health services are accessible, affordable, and tailored to the specific needs of all genders.
• Strengthening data collection and analysis: Better data on gender and health are needed to identify disparities and track progress.
• Promoting gender equality in health leadership: Increasing the representation of women and other marginalized genders in leadership positions within the health sector is crucial.
• Addressing the social determinants of health: Tackling the underlying social and economic factors that contribute to gender inequalities in health is essential.
• Challenging harmful gender norms: Addressing discriminatory gender norms and stereotypes that perpetuate health inequities is vital.

The report also emphasizes the importance of building a strong coalition for gender justice, bringing together diverse stakeholders to advocate for change. This coalition should include governments, international organizations, civil society groups, researchers, and individuals. Collaboration and coordination are essential to overcome the challenges and achieve meaningful progress.

The Role of Global Health 50/50

Organizations like Global Health 50/50 are playing a critical role in advancing gender equality in global health. According to the Lancet publication, both Sharon Hammonds and Katherine Bliss are Co-Chief Executive Officers of Global Health 50/50, and were involved in funding the Lancet Commission on Gender and Global Health. Global Health 50/50 works to promote gender equality in global health leadership and advocates for policies that advance gender justice. Their operate includes conducting research, providing technical assistance, and raising awareness about the importance of gender equality in health.

The Commission’s report also acknowledges potential conflicts of interest. Sharon Hammonds and Katherine Bliss report support for the Commission’s work from a Wellcome Trust grant to University College London (UCL), and Sharon Hammonds is a member of the Elsevier Inclusion and Diversity Board. Elizabeth Nash has received payments from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, UCL, and Southern Denmark University for lectures and travel support, as well as support from the Robert Woods Johnson Foundation for workshop attendance. These disclosures demonstrate a commitment to transparency and accountability.

Looking Ahead: Sustaining Momentum

The release of the Lancet Commission’s report marks a pivotal moment in the fight for gender justice in global health. However, the work doesn’t end here. Sustaining momentum requires continued advocacy, investment, and collaboration. The global health community must prioritize gender equality in all its efforts, ensuring that no one is left behind. The next key checkpoint will be the follow-up assessment of the report’s recommendations, scheduled for review by the World Health Organization in early 2027.

The challenges are significant, but the potential rewards are even greater. By embracing gender justice, we can create a healthier, more equitable, and more sustainable world for all. Let’s continue the conversation – share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below, and help us amplify the call for gender justice in global health.