Investment in Women's Health and Well-being For Global Progress
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Investing in women’s health and wellbeing is not just an act of compassion—it’s a strategic move towards a more prosperous and equitable future for half of the world’s population. Healthy women are better equipped to contribute to society, drive economic growth, and break the cycle of poverty for future generations. With pressing health concerns like endometriosis and menopause gaining increased visibility, the time to act is now.
As highlighted in the 2024 Senate Inquiry into Perimenopause and Menopause, there are 25 key areas that require urgent attention, with a focus on investment and communication. This investment not only addresses immediate health needs but also lays the foundation for long-term societal development. Women in good health are more likely to participate in education, the workforce, and civic life—critical elements for sustainable growth.
Key Factors Influencing Women's Health and Well-being
Women’s health and well-being include the physical, mental, and emotional health of women, affecting their overall quality of life.
Women’s health and well-being include the physical, mental, and emotional health of women, affecting their overall quality of life. It is shaped by various elements, including:
Autonomy over one's body
Personal choices
Access to quality healthcare
Access to education
Employment opportunities
Freedom from gender-based harm or discrimination 1
These interconnected factors have a significant impact on women across their lifespan, especially at critical life stages such as childhood, adolescence, pregnancy and menopause.
Why Investing in Women's Health and Well-being Matters
Women’s health and economic stability are intrinsically linked. Healthy women are better equipped to care for their families, which translates into healthier children and more productive future generations. By investing in women’s health, societies can reduce healthcare costs in the long run, as preventive measures and improved health outcomes decrease the burden on healthcare systems. Economic analyses have shown that investing in women's health yields a high return on investment, making it a strategic priority for policymakers and stakeholders.
At the individual level, women are disproportionately vulnerable to stressors that compromise their basic freedoms and potential. These include gender-based violence, workforce discrimination, and health factors such as maternal mortality.1
On a societal level, improving women's health and well-being has a substantial effect on a country's long-term health and wealth. It also greatly influences future generations, as a woman's health and well-being are closely tied to the health and well-being of her children.1
Furthermore, addressing women's health issues is integral to achieving broader health goals. Women's health is strongly linked with family health, community well-being, and national health outcomes. For instance, maternal health is a critical component of child health; when mothers are healthy, their children are more likely to thrive.
Prioritising women’s health benefits everyone. Women’s health is not just a women’s issue; it is a societal issue that calls for collective action and investment.1
Healthy women are more likely to contribute to their economies, participate in governance, and drive social change.
The Impact of Women's Health on Global Economic and Social Progress
The impact of women's health on global progress is profound and multifaceted. Healthy women are more likely to contribute to their economies, participate in governance, and drive social change.
When women are able to make decisions about their health, they can also influence the health of their families and communities. This creates a cycle of positive outcomes that enhances community resilience and economic productivity. In regions where women have access to quality healthcare, there is a marked decrease in poverty rates, as women's earning potential increases and their families benefit from better health and nutrition.
Furthermore, investing in women’s health can significantly contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2. Many of the SDGs are interconnected, and women’s health plays a crucial role in meeting objectives such as poverty reduction, education, and gender equality. Here are two examples:
Limited education and barriers to school completion for girls cost countries up to US$30 trillion in lost lifetime earnings and productivity. 3
By closing gender employment gaps, GDP per capita could increase by almost 20% on average. 3
The consequences of neglecting women’s health can be dire, leading to increased morbidity and mortality rates, especially during pregnancy and childbirth. When women do not receive the healthcare they need, it undermines their ability to contribute to their families and communities. This creates a cycle of disadvantage, where the lack of investment in women's health perpetuates poverty and inequality. By recognising and addressing these challenges, we can create a more equitable world where women’s health is prioritised, ultimately leading to enhanced global progress.
Key Areas of Investment in Women's Health and Well-being
To effectively invest in women's health and well-being, several key areas require attention.
Firstly, reproductive health services are essential for empowering women to make informed choices about their bodies and futures. Access to family planning, prenatal care, and maternal healthcare can dramatically reduce maternal mortality rates and improve overall health outcomes for women and their children. Investments in reproductive health education also play a critical role in prevention, enabling women to understand their rights and the resources available to them.
Secondly, addressing chronic diseases that disproportionately affect women, such as heart disease, diabetes, and mental health disorders, is critical, especially as women move through menopause and into post-menopause. To progress change in this area, health systems must be equipped to provide comprehensive care that considers the unique needs of women. This includes research into women's health issues, tailored treatment options, and preventive measures that can mitigate the risks of these diseases. By prioritising these areas, we can accelerate action and ensure that women receive the health care they need to lead fulfilling lives.
Thirdly, mental health is an often overlooked aspect of women’s health that deserves significant investment. Women face unique stressors related to family responsibilities, work pressures, and societal expectations. Providing access to mental health services, support groups, and educational resources can help address these challenges.
Finally, employed women spend up to a third of their lives at work. Workplaces can make targeted investments in initiatives that provide support and flexibility, helping women manage their health concerns including menopause at work more effectively. Organisations can also offer education, training, and allyship programs to raise awareness, increase empathy, and create a culture of psychological safety. In today’s inclusive environment, these measures are not optional — they are essential.
By creating an environment that supports women’s health and well-being, we can empower women to seek help and improve their overall quality of life. These investments in reproductive health, chronic disease management, and mental health are essential for creating a holistic approach to women’s health and well-being.
Partnerships and Collaborations for Women's Health and Well-being
Partnerships and collaborations play a vital role in advancing women's health and well-being.
Partnerships and collaborations play a vital role in advancing women's health and well-being. Governments, non-governmental organisations, healthcare providers, and community groups must work together to create comprehensive strategies that address the multifaceted challenges women face, avoiding fragmented approaches.
By collaborating, we can pool resources, share knowledge, and amplify advocacy for women’s health. Promoting partnerships helps prevent duplication, maximises complementary strengths, and enables more holistic approaches to health and wellbeing that benefit women across all sectors.
International partnerships can also enhance the effectiveness of women's health initiatives. Collaborating with global organisations allows for the sharing of lessons learned, best practices, resources, and funding opportunities. These partnerships can strengthen healthcare systems in underserved regions and promote the exchange of evidence-based information and innovative solutions to common challenges. By working together across borders, we can create a unified approach to women's health that transcends local limitations and accelerates global progress.
Furthermore, involving women in the decision-making processes related to their health is crucial for effective collaboration. Women should have a seat at the table when it comes to designing and implementing health programs that affect their lives. This inclusive approach ensures that initiatives are tailored to the specific needs of women and fosters a sense of ownership and empowerment. By prioritising collaboration and inclusivity, we can create sustainable solutions that improve women's health and well-being for generations to come.
Conclusion: The Way Forward for Investing in Women's Health and Well-being
The path forward for investing in women's health and well-being requires a concerted effort from all sectors of society. It is essential to prioritise women's health as a fundamental human right and a cornerstone for global progress. By recognising the interconnectedness of women's health with economic growth, education, and social equity, we can create a more prosperous and equitable world. Investment in women's health is not only a moral obligation but also a strategic imperative for sustainable development.
Moving forward, it is crucial for governments and organisations to allocate resources to key areas such as reproductive health, mental health, and access to healthcare services. By addressing these critical areas, we can ensure that women receive the care they need to thrive. Additionally, fostering partnerships and collaborations will enhance our ability to tackle the multifaceted challenges women face, creating a united front for change.
We must act now. By prioritising women’s health through policies, partnerships, and community initiatives, we can build a more prosperous and equal world. The future is in our hands – let’s make the investment that will change it for the better.
References/Citations
Australian Bureau of Statistics 2020, 'Maternal mortality', ABS, Canberra.
United Nations 2023, 'Sustainable Development Goals', UN, New York.
Exemplars in Global Health 2025, 'Women's Health and Wellbeing', 2025, https://www.exemplars.health/topics/womens-health-and-wellbeing.
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