As the world celebrates the International Women’s Day 2025, under the theme Accelerate Action, it is crucial to assess the state of women’s health globally and in India. Investing in women’s health is not just a moral imperative — it is also essential for eliminating gender inequalities. Beyond personal well-being, women’s health is a critical driver of national development, economic growth, and sustainable progress.
Countries that prioritise women’s healthcare witness lower mortality rates, increased productivity, and an improved quality of life. There is a need to examine global and national initiatives, persistent challenges, and technological advancements that can help bridge gender disparities in healthcare.
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Challenges to women’s health
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) emphasise the importance of improving healthcare for women. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has aligned with this vision through its Global Strategy for Women’s, Children’s, and Adolescents’ Health (2016–2030). However, despite progress, challenges remain in key areas such as maternal mortality, gender-based violence, and inequitable access to healthcare.
For instance, the International Agency for Research on Cancer projects that breast cancer cases will rise by 38% by 2050, with mortality rates increasing by 68% due to ageing populations, lifestyle changes, and genetic factors. Similarly, maternal mortality rates (MMR) remain a significant concern. The Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target 3.1 aims to reduce the global MMR below 70 per 100,000 live births by 2030. However, the current rate of decline—2.1% annually from 2000 to 2020—falls short of the required 6.4% annual reduction. Some nations, like Estonia, have successfully reduced maternal mortality to zero, whereas others, such as Mexico (38 per 100,000), still struggle with high rates.
Additionally, mental health remains a critical issue. Studies indicate that 30% of women worldwide have experienced sexual coercion, leading to long-term psychological and physical consequences.
Success stories in women’s healthcare
Several nations have made commendable progress in improving women’s health outcomes. Botswana’s antiretroviral therapy programme has significantly reduced HIV/AIDS prevalence among women. Thailand’s universal coverage scheme has eliminated financial barriers to healthcare, leading to improved health indicators for women. Similarly, Indonesia’s sanitation program has played a crucial role in lowering sanitation-related diseases, benefiting women and children by providing access to clean water and improved hygiene facilities.
In India, various government initiatives have significantly contributed to women’s healthcare. The Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) encourages safe maternal healthcare by providing financial incentives to pregnant women for institutional deliveries. The Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) supports pregnant and lactating mothers by offering financial assistance. The POSHAN Abhiyaan aims to reduce malnutrition among women and children by promoting better nutrition practices. Furthermore, the Menstrual Hygiene Scheme (MHS) enhances menstrual health awareness and improves accessibility to hygiene products.
Despite these efforts, several challenges persist. Approximately 50 million Indian women suffer from reproductive health problems, while 57% of women aged 15–49 are anaemic, according to NFHS-5 (2019–21). Cancer remains a major health hazard for Indian women, particularly cervical and breast cancers, which are leading causes of cancer-related deaths. The National Health Profile 2019 reported that cervical cancer claimed 96,922 lives in 2018, while 87,000 women died from breast cancer in 2020.
Leveraging technology to bridge healthcare gaps
New medical technologies present transformative opportunities for improving women’s healthcare. AI-powered diagnostics have enhanced early detection of cervical and breast cancer, increasing survival rates through timely intervention. Telemedicine and real-time health monitoring have provided accessible healthcare solutions, especially in remote and rural areas where healthcare infrastructure is limited. HPV vaccination programs remain a crucial tool in preventing cervical cancer, yet their adoption in India remains relatively low.
However, AI-driven healthcare solutions must be more gender-sensitive. Many AI models are trained on male-centric datasets, which can result in misdiagnoses for women. Additionally, concerns regarding privacy and ethical AI deployment must be addressed, as AI-powered reproductive health apps often collect sensitive data without adequate safeguards.
The gender gap in digital access continues to exclude many women from benefiting from healthcare advancements. Socioeconomic disparities prevent many rural and low-income women from using digital health services. According to NFHS-5 (2019-21), only 33% of women in India have ever used the internet, compared to 57% of men. This disparity hinders women’s ability to access telemedicine, online health education, and digital healthcare platforms. Bridging this divide is crucial for improving healthcare accessibility and disease prevention efforts.
Societal and structural barriers
Patriarchal norms often impede women’s access to timely and adequate healthcare. Gender bias in medical research and healthcare systems has historically overlooked women’s health needs, leading to gaps in diagnostics and treatment. Additionally, one in three women globally experiences gender-based violence, which significantly impacts their physical and mental health.
Women also face significant economic barriers in accessing healthcare. The gender pay gap in the health and care sector is higher than in other economic sectors, limiting women’s financial ability to afford quality healthcare. Eliminating these disparities can improve health outcomes and reduce poverty among female-headed households.
Unintended pregnancies remain a major concern due to limited access to sexual and reproductive health education. Social stigma surrounding contraception and abortion exacerbates the issue. Menstrual health is also stigmatised in several regions, restricting access to hygiene products and increasing the risk of infections and school dropouts. Moreover, contraceptive responsibility remains disproportionately on women, with female sterilisation (67%) being the most commonly used contraceptive method in India.
A multi-sectoral approach to women’s health
Since women’s health is a multi-faceted issue, addressing it requires a multi-sectoral approach. Strengthening healthcare infrastructure, particularly in rural areas, is essential to ensure the availability of maternal and reproductive health services. The scope of Women-Cantered Care must extend beyond pregnancy-related services to include non-communicable diseases, mental health, and sexual health. Early detection and prevention strategies, such as HPV vaccination, breast cancer screenings, and AI-driven diagnostics, should be expanded.
Bridging the digital divide is also critical, as increasing access to telemedicine and digital health tools can significantly improve health outcomes for women in underserved regions. Men must also be included as stakeholders in women’s health, particularly in reproductive health and family planning. Legal frameworks should be strengthened to combat gender-based violence, while nutritional deficiencies must be addressed through food fortification, dietary education, and nutritional programs. Social norms must be challenged through awareness campaigns focusing on menstruation, contraception, and reproductive health.
The Accelerate Action theme for International Women’s Day 2025 highlights the urgent need for comprehensive, sustained improvements in women’s health. While progress has been made, healthcare disparities persist. Addressing these challenges requires technological innovation, policy reform, and community engagement.
By ensuring equitable access to healthcare, empowering women with education and resources, and promoting gender-sensitive health policies, we can create a future where women’s health is not an afterthought but a priority. Women’s health is not just a personal or national concern—it is a global imperative for a healthier and more equitable world.
Dr Vanisree Ramanathan teaches at the Department of Public Health, MIT World Peace University, Pune. The opinion shared is personal.