Women in Pakistan face a multitude of health challenges, often exacerbated by limited access to quality healthcare, nutritional deficiencies, and societal norms that prioritize male health. The recent elections have ushered in a new government, which has made promises to address various national issues. However, the question remains whether these policies will be implemented effectively, particularly in bridging the health gap between men and women.

The health gap in Pakistan is a pressing concern that demands immediate attention. According to a report by the World Economic Forum, there is a $1 trillion opportunity globally to improve lives and economic outcomes by addressing health inequalities between men and women. In Pakistan, these inequalities are starkly evident, rooted in patriarchal biases and societal norms that often neglect women’s health needs.

Patriarchal bias refers to the societal and institutional structures that favor men, often leading to gender-based disparities in various sectors, including healthcare. In Pakistan, this bias manifests in the form of policies and practices that prioritize male health, leaving women’s health issues underfunded and inadequately addressed. The term “patriarchal” itself originates from the notion of “rule by the father,” indicating a system where male interests dominate.

There is a $1 trillion opportunity globally to improve lives and economic outcomes by addressing health inequalities between men and women.

This bias is particularly detrimental in healthcare, where the focus tends to be on diseases and conditions affecting men, while women’s health issues are often overlooked. For instance, conditions such as endometriosis-a painful and debilitating gynecological condition-are rarely given the........

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