The economics of investing in women and health

Investments in women and their health hold transformative potential, serving as powerful drivers of gender equality, poverty reduction, equity and economic development. However, current investments are both insufficient and inappropriately designed to address the complex health needs of women throughout the life course. This paper explores the intrinsic returns that would stem from a virtuous cycle of investment in the health of women—by allowing full access to education and fair labor-force participation—as well as the instrumental returns to economic growth and sustainability. We highlight the vital and dual role of health systems in challenging structural biases affecting women in their consumption of health-care services, as well as appropriately recognizing and compensating women’s contributions as health care and care producers. By proactively and deliberately investing in gender equality throughout the life course and addressing the social determinants of women’s health, heath systems and governments can support optimal health as well as economic and equity outcomes for all women and for the societies in which they thrive.