Female political representation and the gender health gap: a cross-national analysis of 49 European countries.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Does increased female participation in the social and political life of a country improve health? Social participation may improve health because it ensures that the concerns of all people are heard by key decision-makers. More specifically, when women's social participation increases this may lead to health gains because women are more likely to vote for leaders and lobby for policies that will enhance the health of everyone. This article tries to examine whether female participation is correlated with measures of health inequality.

Methods

We draw on data from the World Health Organization Health Equity Status Report initiative and the Varieties of Democracy project to assess whether health is better and health inequalities are smaller in countries where female

SUBMITTER: Reeves A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9527963 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature