Gender Mainstreaming in Health Promotion: The Importance of Gender-Specific Prevention

Gender is not a biological fact, but a social construction that is shaped by social ideas about typically male and typically female behaviour. These gender roles can be changed and can be influenced politically. In order to take all forms of gender equally into account in political decisions and measures, the concept of gender mainstreaming was introduced as early as 1995 at the 4th UN World Conference on Women in Beijing. Today, gender mainstreaming is firmly anchored in the policies of the European Union and many other countries. [1]

But what is Gender Mainstreaming?

It is a comprehensive political and organisational strategy that aims to ensure the equal participation of both genders in political, economic and social processes. The aim is to create both horizontal and vertical equal opportunities for men and women by taking into account equal and gender-specific needs – both in medicine and in all other areas of life. [1]

The Council of Europe’s definition is regarded as a universally valid explanation of gender mainstreaming within the EU:

‘Gender mainstreaming consists of the (re)organisation, improvement, development and evaluation of decision-making processes, with the aim of ensuring that actors involved in policy-making adopt the perspective of equality between women and men in all areas and at all levels.’ (Council of Europe, 1998)

Gender Mainstreaming in Health Promotion: Challenges and Potential

The continuous ageing of the population and the rising costs of the healthcare system make disease prevention even more relevant. Gender-transformative prevention programmes strive to avoid structural disadvantages based on gender. However, there are currently only a few programmes that follow this approach. [2]

But why is this the case?

• One reason is that the development of gender-sensitive programmes is very complex and requires a lot of time and financial resources.
• Furthermore, integrating gender-sensitive programmes into the standard processes of the healthcare system is an additional challenge that requires experience, expertise and time.

Prevention as the key to health

The best prevention of lifestyle diseases is based on individual knowledge and behaviour. A healthy diet, weight control, avoiding alcohol, reducing stress and regular exercise are fundamental measures to positively influence health. [3]

Gender mainstreaming in health promotion can help to reduce gender-specific inequalities and ensure holistic healthcare for all genders.

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Takeaway points:

• Gender mainstreaming: Equality between women and men in all policy areas.
• Objective: Equal participation in social processes.
• Gender mainstreaming in health promotion:
  • Horizontal equality of opportunity: equal offers for both genders.
  • Vertical equality of opportunity: Gender-specific programmes for different needs.
• Challenges:
  • Developing gender-sensitive programmes is complex and time-consuming.
  • Integration of gender-sensitive programmes requires experience and expertise.

For more Information

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