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Written by Özgen Tüylüoğlu

Özgen Tüylüoğlu graduated from the Faculty of Pharmacy and is currently continuing her studies in the Department of Political Science and International Relations. She has volunteered as a writer for various platforms such as Bubi Sanat and Sanitaloji. She writes articles on art, pharmacy, and social issues.

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In recent years, global health has emerged as a crucial and dynamic subject within the broader conversation on global development, social justice, and human rights. As health challenges such as pandemics, non-communicable diseases, and health disparities continue to dominate international agendas, feminist scholars and activists have placed a critical spotlight on the gendered nature of these challenges. Feminist perspectives in global health reveal that health outcomes are not only shaped by biological factors but also by deeply entrenched social, cultural, and economic structures that maintain gender inequalities. These feminist viewpoints advocate for a more inclusive, fair, and comprehensive approach to global health policy and practice that takes gender, social justice, and equity into account. In doing so, they seek to bridge the gaps in access to healthcare services, promote gender-sensitive health policies, and empower individuals, especially women and marginalized communities, to address the complex web of factors influencing their health and well-being.

Feminist perspectives in global health are not monolithic, as they draw from a wide range of feminist theories, including liberal feminism, radical feminism, postcolonial feminism, and intersectional feminism. These different branches of feminist thought contribute to a nuanced understanding of health issues and offer diverse strategies for achieving gender justice in global health. At the heart of these feminist perspectives is the recognition that gender disparities in health are shaped not only by biological differences but also by the social and political structures that marginalize women and other vulnerable groups. Feminist health advocates argue that these disparities need to be addressed through both transformative health policies and wider social changes.

The Need for Gender-Sensitive Health Policy: Moving Beyond Biological Models 

Historically, health policy frameworks have tended to treat gender as a secondary issue, focusing primarily on biological differences between men and women. While these biological differences are certainly important and should not be dismissed, a solely biological approach to health overlooks the significant role that gendered social roles and cultural expectations play in shaping health outcomes. For instance, the division of labor between men and women, the unequal distribution of resources, and the prevalence of gender-based violence all contribute to disparities in health outcomes between men and women. By focusing primarily on biological differences, health policies have frequently ignored the broader social determinants of health that affect women disproportionately.

A feminist approach to global health seeks to rectify this oversight by emphasizing the social, cultural, economic, and political factors that shape health outcomes. Feminist health policy does not limit itself to addressing biological health issues but also addresses the systemic inequalities that contribute to poor health. For example, one of the most glaring issues that feminist health advocates focus on is maternal health. While much progress has been made in the past decades in terms of maternal care, maternal mortality rates remain staggeringly high in many parts of the world, particularly in low-income and conflict-affected regions. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), maternal mortality rates have declined over time, yet the maternal death toll is still high, with nearly 810 women dying every day from preventable causes related to pregnancy and childbirth.

The persistence of high maternal mortality rates in some parts of the world highlights the need for feminist-informed health policies that address not only the biological needs of women but also the social, economic, and political structures that prevent women from accessing quality maternal care. Feminist health advocates stress the importance of integrating gender-sensitive policies in healthcare, ensuring that women receive appropriate prenatal care, maternal health education, and postpartum support. At the same time, feminist health policy emphasizes the importance of addressing the broader determinants of maternal health, such as access to education, economic security, and protection from gender-based violence.

Gender-Based Health Disparities: The Impact of Inequality 

Gender inequality is a persistent issue that pervades healthcare systems across the world. Women, in particular, face gender-based health disparities that often stem from the unequal distribution of resources, opportunities, and power. These disparities manifest in various ways, from unequal access to healthcare to the disproportionate burden of caregiving placed on women. One of the most significant ways in which gender inequality affects health is through the social division of labor. In many societies, women are expected to care for family members, often at the expense of their own health. This caregiving role is often unpaid and unrecognized, yet it can lead to significant physical and mental health challenges for women.

In addition to caregiving burdens, gender inequality also manifests in gender-based violence (GBV), which has a profound impact on women’s health. GBV, including intimate partner violence, sexual violence, and trafficking, is a widespread public health issue that affects millions of women worldwide. According to the United Nations, one in three women will experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime. The consequences of GBV extend beyond physical injuries; women who experience violence often suffer from mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as well as reproductive health issues, including unintended pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and miscarriages.

Feminist health advocates argue that addressing GBV is essential not only from a human rights perspective but also from a public health standpoint. By failing to address the physical, emotional, and social consequences of GBV, healthcare systems perpetuate a cycle of violence and poor health. Feminist health policy calls for the implementation of stronger legal protections for survivors of GBV, as well as the development of comprehensive healthcare services that address the needs of survivors. This includes providing mental health support, reproductive health services, and safe spaces for women to seek help without fear of further violence or stigmatization.

Moreover, women’s reproductive health, although historically treated as a discrete category, must be integrated into broader health policy. Feminist health perspectives argue that reproductive health should not be siloed from general healthcare services. Issues such as access to contraception, safe abortion services, and fertility treatments have been overlooked in many global health strategies. For instance, the global “family planning revolution” has made significant strides in increasing contraceptive use worldwide, yet millions of women, particularly in rural or low-income areas, still lack access to family planning services.

Furthermore, maternal health is not just about safe pregnancy and childbirth, but also about ensuring that women have the autonomy to make decisions about their bodies. Feminist health advocates emphasize that reproductive rights should be seen as integral to human rights, and global health systems must adopt policies that ensure women can exercise full reproductive autonomy.

Intersectionality in Feminist Global Health: Understanding Multiple Layers of Inequality 

One of the core concepts in feminist global health is intersectionality. Intersectionality, as articulated by Kimberlé Crenshaw, refers to the ways in which different forms of social identities—such as race, class, gender, sexuality, ability, and nationality—interact to produce unique forms of discrimination and privilege. In global health, intersectionality is essential for understanding the complex ways in which health disparities are shaped not just by gender, but by a combination of social factors. 

For example, Black women in the United States experience significantly worse health outcomes than white women due to the compounded effects of racism, sexism, and economic inequality. In the Global South, women of color face a unique set of challenges, including the legacy of colonialism, racism within healthcare systems, and economic marginalization. These intersecting forms of oppression result in health disparities that cannot be understood by focusing on gender alone. Instead, an intersectional approach is needed to address the diverse experiences of health among women and marginalized groups.

Feminist health perspectives that embrace intersectionality argue that healthcare systems must recognize the complex and interconnected factors that contribute to health inequities. This means that health interventions should not only target gender disparities but should also consider factors such as race, class, disability, and immigration status. By taking an intersectional approach, global health can move beyond one-size-fits-all solutions and instead focus on creating inclusive policies that address the needs of diverse populations.

Gender-Blind Health Policies: The Limitations and Consequences 

Gender-blind policies, which fail to account for the specific health needs of women and marginalized groups, remain widespread in global health frameworks. These policies assume that men and women have equal access to healthcare and face similar health risks, which is far from the reality. By failing to consider the specific ways in which gender and other social factors impact health, gender-blind policies exacerbate existing health disparities and reinforce inequities.

A striking example of the consequences of gender-blind health policies can be seen in the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic. While the pandemic affected everyone, the impacts were disproportionately felt by women, particularly those in low-income communities. The closure of schools, increased caregiving responsibilities, and heightened exposure to domestic violence put an added strain on women’s health. Additionally, the pandemic disrupted essential healthcare services, including maternal and reproductive health care, which disproportionately affected women.

Gender-blind policies also fail to address the gendered nature of labor in healthcare systems. In many countries, healthcare workers are predominantly women, and they often face disproportionate workloads and inadequate pay. Feminist health advocates argue that gender-blind policies must be reexamined to ensure that they are responsive to the needs of women and other marginalized groups.

Grassroots Feminist Movements: Advocacy for Health and Social Justice 

While institutional policy changes are essential, much of the transformative work in global health has been driven by grassroots feminist movements. These movements, often led by women and gender minorities, focus on addressing health disparities and promoting social justice at the community level. Grassroots organizations have been instrumental in challenging gender inequality in healthcare and advocating for better access to health services, particularly in marginalized communities. 

For example, the global campaign for sexual and reproductive health rights, spearheaded by feminist movements, has been crucial in increasing access to family planning, contraception, and safe abortion services worldwide. In regions like sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America, feminist organizations have worked tirelessly to advocate for the rights of women to make decisions about their bodies and health. These movements have also played a critical role in challenging harmful cultural practices, such as female genital mutilation (FGM) and child marriage, which have significant health consequences for women and girls. 

Grassroots movements have also been instrumental in addressing the health impacts of gender-based violence. Organizations that focus on providing services for survivors of GBV, including shelters, counseling, and medical care, have been crucial in improving women’s health outcomes and ensuring that survivors receive the support they need. 

Examples and Applications: Feminist Influences on Global Health Policies 

Feminist perspectives have significantly impacted global health policies, emphasizing gender equality and recognizing the unique needs of women, gender minorities, and marginalized populations. Below are some key examples that illustrate how feminist theories have shaped healthcare systems and policies in various regions and international organizations: 

1. Reproductive Health Policies in the United States 

Feminist movements in the U.S. have been central in advocating for reproductive health rights, including access to abortion and contraception. Notable policy initiatives, such as the Reproductive Health Care Act of 2019, reflect these efforts. Feminist organizations like the National Women’s Health Network and the Center for Reproductive Rights have emphasized the need for policies that address both social and economic barriers to reproductive care, particularly for low-income women and women of color.

2. Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights in Latin America 

In Latin America, feminist activism has been pivotal in advancing reproductive health rights. The legalization of abortion in Argentina in 2020 is a landmark achievement resulting from years of feminist advocacy. Similarly, feminist movements in Mexico have influenced health policies aimed at ensuring comprehensive healthcare access for women, particularly in marginalized communities. 

3. Feminist Influence on the Global Health Agenda 

Feminist theory has shaped the global health agenda, especially through international organizations such as the WHO and the UN. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development’s emphasis on gender equality (Goal 5) reflects feminist advocacy for integrating gender considerations into health systems, particularly with regard to sexual and reproductive health rights. 

4. Gender-Based Violence and Health Policy in South Africa 

In South Africa, feminist activism has been instrumental in addressing gender-based violence (GBV) within the public health sector. Policies like the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide aim to provide comprehensive healthcare for survivors, including access to mental health services, HIV prevention, and emergency contraception. 

5. Health and Gender Equality in the European Union 

The European Union has integrated feminist perspectives into its Health Strategy, focusing on reducing gendered health inequalities. Feminist advocacy has led to the promotion of gender-sensitive health research and mental health programs that recognize the unique challenges women face, particularly in vulnerable populations. 

Reimagining Global Health: A Feminist Vision for the Future 

To move forward, global health systems must embrace a feminist vision that prioritizes gender equity, social justice, and human rights. This vision calls for healthcare policies that are inclusive, equitable, and responsive to the diverse needs of women and marginalized groups. Feminist health advocates emphasize the need for healthcare systems that not only focus on biological health but also address the social determinants of health, such as poverty, education, and access to resources. 

Reimagining global health through a feminist lens also requires dismantling the power structures that perpetuate inequality. This means challenging patriarchal systems, advocating for women’s rights and autonomy, and promoting policies that empower individuals to make decisions about their health. Feminist global health also calls for the inclusion of diverse voices in health decision-making, particularly those of women and marginalized groups. 

By embracing feminist perspectives in global health, we can work toward a world where health equity is not just a lofty ideal but a reality for all people, regardless of their gender, race, class, or nationality. This vision requires a fundamental shift in how we understand health, care, and justice on a global scale. 

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