Why Gender Equality in Global Health Is Still a Fight—And How We Can Win It

Despite decades of progress, women’s health remains narrowly defined by reproduction, research still overlooks gender disparities, and harmful norms continue shaping health outcomes worldwide. So how do we build a future where global health truly serves everyone? In this powerful episode of HIT Like A Girl, guest host Demi Radeva sits down with Anna Coates, the Senior Gender Technical Lead at the World Health Organization (WHO), to unpack the unfinished battle for gender equity in health. With 18 years in the UN system and deep roots in Latin America, Anna reveals: The blind spots in women’s health: Why global frameworks like the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) still fail to address women’s health beyond pregnancy and maternal care. The data gap: How biased research undermines progress—and WHO’s push for better science and representation. The power of norms: How stereotypes harm both women’s access to care and men’s health outcomes. Real-world solutions: Key partnerships and policies creating more equitable health systems—from grassroots advocacy to institutional reform. Anna also shares hard-won advice for young women in global health, urging them to claim their expertise and challenge the status quo. Whether you’re in public health, an advocate for equality, or simply curious about the forces shaping health worldwide, this conversation is a rallying cry—and a roadmap. Listen now to learn how we can turn commitments into real change. 00:21 Anna Coates' Career Journey 01:19 Progress and Gaps in Women's Health Equity 04:15 Impact of Gender Norms on Health 06:32 Importance of Gender Representation in Research 09:12 WHO's Role in Gender-Equitable Health Systems 17:56 Advice for Young Women in Global Health Stay Connected: 👉 Follow Anna Coates on LinkedIn 👉 Learn more about WHO 🎧 This episode was recorded live at #HLTHEurope2025—the world’s most important event on health innovation.