From Sex Differences to Sex Inequalities in Life Expectancy: A Cross-Country Observational Benchmarking Analysis

This observational study examines global differences in life expectancy through the lens of sex inequalities rather than biological sex differences alone. Using cross-country benchmarking analysis, the authors evaluate how social, economic, and health-system factors shape disparities in mortality outcomes between women and men across countries. The findings suggest that many observed life expectancy gaps reflect avoidable inequalities linked to gendered social conditions and health system performance, highlighting opportunities for policy interventions to improve population health equity.