Photo: UHH/Denstorf
30 April 2024, by Team EUGLOH Department 5. International Affairs
Photo: EUGLOH, ZGD
COVID-19 has shown that in our increasingly globalized world, diseases also know no border, and are therefore a threat to global health. Although diseases affect us all, there are significant inequalities in the research and treatment of health problems in terms of gender and diversity. Women, transgender and intersex people often experience structural disadvantages in health systems that are predominantly focused on cis-male persons. Women and girls, for example, face major barriers in accessing health information and services. These barriers can be caused by restrictions on mobility, a low level of literacy and discriminatory behavior. Gender roles also lead to health risks for men. Smoking, alcohol consumption or the misuse of medication to achieve a muscular ideal of beauty is still associated with masculinity. Furthermore, heart disease is often less well diagnosed and treated for women than for men, as the symptoms are different and traditional medical research has been orientated towards men. The social stereotype of the “strong man” also means that men are less likely to go to the doctor for check-ups or seek medical help in case of depression.
The consideration of gender and diversity in global health is therefore essentially a question of justice and equality. Diversified approaches in medical research and practice can lead to more accurate diagnoses, more effective treatments and better healthcare overall. Which is why it is crucial to take action and integrate gender diversity into all aspects of health research, policy and practice. The European University Alliance for Global Health is committed to comprehensive integration of gender and diversity in all its activities and provides a platform for the development, implementation and dissemination of best practices.
In November 2024, EUGLOH is organizing a campaign and several webinars to mark the “International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women”. If you are interested in the issues of Global Health and its link to Gender and Diversity, subscribe to the EUGLOH Newsletter and keep informed on our activities.
Moreover visit the Center for Gender & Diversity (ZGD) in Hamburg to learn more about their efforts in promoting research on gender and diversity. The ZGD facilitates networking among stakeholders and organizes conferences, workshops, and public presentations on relevant issues within gender and diversity studies.
