Gender Equality

When women are empowered to make decisions about their futures, their families tend to be healthier, happier and more prosperous – as do they. MCSP works to mitigate gender inequalities that act as barriers to optimal health outcomes for women and girls. These include lack of decision-making power and discriminatory treatment, including gender-based violence. Inequalities extend to limited male engagement in reproductive, maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health, and negative gender attitudes faced by female health workers that impact service quality.

MCSP works with health providers and facilities to ensure that all people can avail of health care services that guarantee equal access to respectful care for clients of regardless of gender and age. In more than 30 countries, we’re working to ensure accessibility, privacy and confidentiality. We understand the power of respectful provider-client interactions, and the need for empathy and emotional support.

Gender-sensitive services ensure that all clients have equal access to high-quality care, and can include their partners and families in the process should they so choose. They must be empowered to make full, free and informed choices about their care, and participate fully in decisions that impact their health.

A stethoscope and female gender symbol

Gender-sensitive services ensure that everyone is empowered to make free and informed choices about their health care.

A family holding hands

Men play a key part in their family’s health, yet are often neglected in outreach and service delivery.

Investing in gender transformative interventions helps to address historical inequalities that have prevented both women and men from having free choice in health care and opportunities.

— Myra Betron, MCSP Gender Team Lead

Hear global experts discuss the importance of strengthening and scaling community health interventions to save the lives of mothers and children.

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See how community approaches are advancing equity, including gender equity, to achieve primary health care for all.

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Listen to an expert’s overview of gender equity.

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