Women’s Health and the Impact of Gender Roles and Expectations: Challenges and Opportunities

Abstract

This study primarily examines the barriers to advancing gender equality and improving women’s health outcomes. The study focuses on how gender roles and expectations related to caregiving, household responsibilities, and work have a significant impact on women’s health, limiting their access to resources for economic empowerment, education, and healthcare. The study used a mixed-methods approach, combining a literature review with an online questionnaire of mostly women, to better understand the complex relationship between gender roles, expectations, and women’s health. The literature review explores the impact of gender norms and expectations on women’s health outcomes, revealing several genders-specific health concerns, including reproductive health, mental health, and chronic diseases. The assessment also highlights how societal and cultural norms contribute to gender-based violence and discrimination, which can harm women’s health. Thematic analysis is used to assess the interviews and find recurring themes about women’s health and the effects of gender norms and expectations. In conclusion, this study advances our understanding of the complex interplay between gender roles, cultural norms, and women’s health. The mixed-methods approach provides a comprehensive understanding of how gender norms and expectations affect women’s health, underscoring the need for gender-sensitive interventions to promote health equity and enhance women’s lives.