Executive summary
The World Economic Forum’s 2024 report highlights a global “women’s health gap,”
showing that women spend 25% more of their lives in poor health than men. It argues that addressing the scientific, data, and care-delivery causes of this gap could generate a $1 trillion annual boost to the global economy by 2040. The report reframes women’s health as a key driver of productivity and long-term economic resilience, rather than a niche or social issue.
Key takeaways
Closing the women’s health gap could add $1 trillion annually to the global economy by 2040.
Most of the health burden in women comes from non-reproductive conditions that affect them differently or disproportionately.
Every $1 invested in women’s health could generate about $3 in economic growth.
Women spend about 25% more of their lives in poor health, losing significant years of productivity.
Male-centered research and lack of sex-disaggregated data make many
Medical interventions less effective for women.