Progress in Women’s Health and Wellbeing

Driving Progress in Women’s Health and Wellbeing: Lessons from Exemplary Countries

Introduction

Women’s health and wellbeing (WHW) is central to our mission at EpiDriver, as it reflects not only the health of individuals but also the progress of societies. A groundbreaking study published in The Lancet Global Health sheds light on countries that have made remarkable strides in WHW, offering valuable lessons for the global community.

Why Women’s Health and Wellbeing Matters

Women’s health and wellbeing is a multidimensional concept that encompasses social, economic, health, and environmental factors across the lifespan. Gender power dynamics significantly shape access to resources, education, and opportunities, directly influencing WHW. Addressing these disparities is not only essential for women but also for fostering sustainable societal development.

Study Methodology

The study analyzed data from 135 low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) between 2000 and 2019, using 32 indicators across 10 key dimensions: health, nutrition, education, work, empowerment, access to services, poverty, climate change, safety, and harmful practices. Employing a life-course approach, it examined WHW across five stages: birth and early childhood, adolescence and youth, reproductive years, young adulthood, and older adulthood.

Key Findings

  • Exemplary Countries Identified: Several countries stood out for their remarkable progress in WHW, exceeding expectations given their economic growth.
    • South and East Asia & the Pacific: Bangladesh, Cambodia, India.
    • Sub-Saharan Africa: Congo (Brazzaville), Ethiopia, Rwanda, Sierra Leone.
    • Latin America & the Caribbean: Peru, Bolivia, Colombia.
    • Europe, Central Asia, MENA: Morocco, Turkey, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan.
  • Challenges Persist: While progress in health indicators was notable, areas like nutrition and work saw less improvement. Data on safety, gender-based violence, and harmful practices remain limited, highlighting critical gaps.
  • Economic and Beyond: Economic growth played a role, but exemplary countries achieved more than expected by leveraging innovative policies and community-driven programs.

Implications for Action

This study provides a solid framework for evaluating WHW progress at national and subnational levels. It emphasizes the importance of analyzing the strategies that have driven success in exemplary countries and adapting them to different contexts.

At EpiDriver, we aim to collaborate with researchers and policymakers in these countries to deepen our understanding of what works and why. By identifying barriers and enabling factors, we can help implement effective policies and programs that improve women’s lives worldwide.

A Call to Action

Advancing women’s health and wellbeing requires collective effort. Governments, organizations, and communities must come together to:

  • Learn from exemplary countries and replicate successful strategies.
  • Invest in data collection and monitoring to fill critical gaps in WHW.
  • Promote policies and programs that address social and economic barriers to WHW.

Conclusion

The Lancet Global Health study reminds us that meaningful progress in WHW is possible, even in resource-limited settings. By learning from exemplary countries and working together, we can build a more equitable world where all girls and women can thrive.

For more information and to dive deeper into the findings of this groundbreaking study, read the full article published in The Lancet Global Health: Link to the Article