According to a recent report from the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE), despite significant improvements in life expectancy and general health, the European Union (EU) continues to struggle with profound health disparities influenced by gender. Women, in particular, face a higher burden of poor health, especially mental health, compared to men. These disparities are further exacerbated by external crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, and the ongoing war in Ukraine, all of which disproportionately affect vulnerable populations.
Women Live Longer but Spend More Years in Poor Health
While women in the EU generally live longer than men, they spend a larger portion of their lives in poor health. This disparity is most evident in self-perceived health and healthy life years. On average, women aged 65 can expect to spend about 44% of their remaining years in good health, while men of the same age can expect around 50%. The gap varies significantly across member states. For example, in Belgium and Sweden, women enjoy 64% of their remaining life expectancy in good health, while women in Romania face just 20%.
This trend suggests a deeper societal issue: gender inequality in healthcare that continues to limit women’s access to quality care, particularly in poorer regions of the EU.
Mental Health Disparities: Women Struggle More Than Men
The gender gap is also stark in mental health. Women consistently report poorer mental well-being than men, a trend exacerbated by caregiving responsibilities, gender norms, and financial strain. Societal expectations tied to gender roles often make it difficult for men to express emotional distress, which could be contributing to underdiagnosis and under-treatment of mental health conditions.
Interestingly, although men are less likely to seek help, they are nearly four times more likely than women to die by suicide, as highlighted by the World Health Organization (WHO). To address these disparities, gender-sensitive mental health services are essential, offering safe spaces where both men and women can openly discuss their emotional struggles without stigma.
Men and Health Behaviors: Risk-Taking is the Norm
Men in the EU are more likely than women to engage in risky health behaviors, such as smoking, drinking excessively, and avoiding medical help. In contrast, women are more likely to adopt health-promoting behaviors like avoiding alcohol and smoking, which reflects entrenched gender norms that encourage men to take greater physical risks.
This pattern of risky behavior is often linked to societal pressures around masculinity, which encourage men to be “tough” and avoid seeking help for physical or emotional health concerns. Addressing these norms and promoting healthier lifestyles is crucial to improving men’s health outcomes.
Education and Health: A Key Intersection for Women’s Well-Being
A significant factor in determining one’s health is education level. Women with lower education levels are at a greater risk of poor health compared to their male counterparts. For instance, women with low education are 28 percentage points less likely to report good health than highly educated women. In contrast, the gender gap in health outcomes is smaller among those with higher levels of education.
Educational disparities in health outcomes also vary by country. While 63% of highly educated women in Ireland report good health, only 27% of women with low education in Lithuania report the same. This highlights the compounded vulnerabilities that low-educated women face, including limited access to healthcare, food, and other health-related services.
Healthcare Disparities: A Gendered Perception
Across the EU, many citizens believe that men receive better treatment from healthcare providers than women. According to the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE), one in five EU citizens believes that men are better treated in healthcare settings. This perception is most pronounced among younger generations. Among 15- to 24-year-olds, 28% of women compared to 16% of men believe men are favored by medical staff. This gender gap in perception remains notable even as people age, suggesting that younger women are more attuned to gender inequalities in healthcare or are more likely to experience them first-hand.
These perceptions are consistent with studies showing that women, particularly in certain regions, report unequal treatment in medical settings, such as being misdiagnosed or not receiving appropriate care for conditions like cardiovascular disease. It’s clear that gender stereotypes still pervade healthcare, and medical professionals must receive training to combat bias and ensure all patients are treated equally.
Health and Gender-Based Violence: A Vicious Cycle
Violence against women remains one of the most egregious manifestations of gender inequality in the EU. It affects millions of women throughout their lives, whether in the home, workplace, or public spaces. Gender-based violence is both a cause and a consequence of gender inequality, further restricting women’s opportunities for social, economic, and political participation.
Women subjected to violence often face economic hardships, as they may be forced to leave their jobs or experience a decline in income. At work, women are more likely to face violence and harassment, which diminishes their economic independence and impedes their ability to thrive professionally. Furthermore, women exposed to violence in childhood are more likely to experience difficulties in adulthood, including poor mental health and involvement in criminal activities.
The intersection of violence with other forms of oppression, such as poverty and racism, creates compounded disadvantages for certain groups of women, including those with disabilities, older women, and women from marginalized communities. Policies addressing gender-based violence must be intersectional and responsive to the diverse needs of women across different backgrounds.
Young People and Gender Inequality in Healthcare
The perception of unequal treatment in healthcare is most pronounced among younger age groups. For instance, 28% of women aged 15–24 believe that men receive better treatment in medical settings, compared to just 16% of men in the same age group. This highlights the growing awareness among younger women of gender inequality in healthcare and their heightened sensitivity to perceived bias.
This finding aligns with broader research indicating that young women are both more likely to recognize and experience healthcare inequalities. To tackle these perceptions and experiences, it’s essential to foster an environment where both men and women are encouraged to advocate for gender equality in healthcare, particularly in settings where they may be vulnerable to biased treatment.
Moving Toward Gender-Inclusive Healthcare
Ensuring gender-inclusive healthcare is crucial for improving health outcomes for all. Women are more likely to visit doctors, largely due to reproductive health needs and caregiving roles. However, discrimination, poverty, and social exclusion can limit both men and women’s access to healthcare. It is vital that policymakers address these issues by promoting gender-sensitive health policies that ensure equitable access to care, regardless of gender or socio-economic status.
Conclusion: The Last Mile of Gender Equality in Health
While the EU has made significant progress in reducing gender disparities in health, much remains to be done. There are clear gendered patterns in health behaviors, perceptions of healthcare treatment, and the effects of violence and education on well-being. To close the gender health gap, the EU must continue to invest in gender-sensitive policies that address these disparities and ensure equitable access to healthcare for all.
It’s not just about improving overall health outcomes but also about recognizing the unique challenges faced by women and men in the healthcare system. With continued effort, the EU can pave the way for a more equitable health future where gender no longer determines the quality of care or life expectancy.