Accelerating Action: Empowering Women Through Health and Innovation

Every year, International Women’s Day serves as a moment of reflection, celebration, and renewed commitment to gender equality. This year’s theme, “Accelerating Action,” calls on us to move beyond incremental progress and take bold, decisive steps toward a more equitable world. It is a reminder that while we have made significant strides, there is still much work to be done, especially in areas like women’s health, economic empowerment, and leadership. This year, let us focus on how innovation and collaboration can drive meaningful change, particularly in the rapidly evolving women’s health market and its sub-sectors.

The State of Gender Equality and Women’s Health in 2025

Gender equality is not just a goal but a necessity for a thriving, sustainable world. Yet, progress has been uneven. According to the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2024, it will take approximately 134 years to close the global gender gap at the current pace of progress. Women continue to face disparities in economic participation, political representation, and access to healthcare. For instance, the UN Women’s ‘Progress on the Sustainable Development Goals The Gender Snapshot 2024’ reports that only 26.9% of parliamentary seats worldwide are held by women. These gaps are even more pronounced in healthcare, where women’s unique needs are often overlooked or underfunded.

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted and exacerbated these inequalities. Women bore the brunt of job losses, increased caregiving responsibilities, and reduced access to essential health services. A report by the International Labour Organization (ILO) found that women’s employment declined by 4.2% during the pandemic, compared to 3% for men. As we rebuild, it is crucial to ensure that recovery efforts prioritize gender equality, particularly in the women’s health market, which has emerged as a critical area for innovation and investment.

The Rise of the Women’s Digital Health Market

One of the most exciting developments in recent years is the growth of the women’s digital health market. Digital health solutions, including the women’s health app market, are transforming how women access care, manage their health and advocate for their needs. From fertility tracking to mental health support, these apps are empowering women to take control of their well-being. The global women’s health app market is projected to reach $12.87 billion by 2030, driven by increasing smartphone penetration and a growing focus on personalized healthcare.

However, access to these technologies remains uneven. Women in low-income countries and marginalized communities often lack the resources to benefit from digital health innovations. Bridging this gap is essential to ensure that all women can reap the benefits of the women’s digital health market.

Addressing Gaps in the Women’s Health Diagnostics Market

Another area requiring accelerated action is the women’s health diagnostics market. Early and accurate diagnosis is critical for managing conditions such as breast cancer, cervical cancer, and endometriosis. Yet, many women face barriers to accessing diagnostic services, including cost, stigma, and lack of awareness. The global women’s health diagnostics market is expected to grow significantly, with a projected CAGR of 7.29% from 2025 to 2030. Expanding access to affordable and culturally sensitive diagnostic tools is essential to improving health outcomes for women worldwide.

The Menopause Market and Hormone Replacement Therapy

The menopause market is another sector that has gained attention in recent years. Menopause, a natural phase of life, has long been under-researched and under-discussed, leaving many women to navigate its challenges without adequate support. The global menopause market is expected to reach $24.4 billion by 2030, driven by increasing awareness and demand for effective treatments.

A key component of this market is the hormone replacement therapy (HRT) market, which offers relief from menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, and sleep disturbances. However, access to HRT remains limited in many regions, and concerns about safety and affordability persist. Accelerating action in this space means investing in research, education, and policies that ensure women have access to safe and effective treatments.

Why Accelerating Action Matters?

Accelerating action in women’s health is not just a moral imperative. It is an economic and social necessity. Research ‘THE POWER OF PARITY’ shows that advancing gender equality could add $28 trillion to global GDP in 2025 in the full-potential scenario of bridging the gender gap. When women thrive, economies thrive. Women reinvest up to 90% of their income into their families and communities, creating a ripple effect that benefits society as a whole. We can unlock this potential and drive sustainable development by accelerating action in areas like the women’s health market.

Moreover, gender equality is intrinsically linked to other global challenges, such as climate change and poverty. Women are often at the forefront of climate action, yet they are underrepresented in decision-making roles. According to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), countries with higher female representation in parliament are more likely to ratify environmental treaties. Empowering women is not just about fairness. It is about creating a better future for everyone.

The Role of Businesses and Individuals

Accelerating action requires collective effort. Businesses can lead by example by adopting gender-inclusive policies, promoting women to leadership roles, and investing in initiatives that support women’s advancement. For instance, as per the Delivering Through Diversity report, companies with gender-diverse leadership teams are 21% more likely to outperform their peers financially. Furthermore, in the healthcare sector, businesses can drive innovation in the women’s digital health market, women’s health diagnostics market, and menopause market, ensuring that products and services meet the diverse needs of women.

Individuals can also contribute by advocating for change, supporting women-owned businesses, and challenging gender stereotypes in their communities. By raising awareness about the importance of women’s health and demanding better access to care, we can accelerate progress toward gender equality.

Together, We Can Make a Difference

As we commemorate International Women’s Day 2025, let us remember that accelerating action is not just a theme. It is a responsibility. The challenges are significant, but so are the opportunities. By working together, we can create a world where every woman has the chance to thrive, lead, and contribute to society. Let us move beyond incremental progress and take bold, decisive steps toward gender equality, particularly toward women’s health. The time for action is now, and it starts with each of us.