International Women’s Day 2025: Accelerating action for gender equity in healthcare

"Strengthening grassroots networks and using technology can bridge healthcare gaps. We must dismantle restrictive norms, amplify women’s voices in decision-making, and ensure women are active stakeholders in healthcare. 

In rural India, we have empowered frontline providers with point-of-care medical devices and teleconsultation platforms, enabling them to reach the last mile. Reproductive health, maternal care and gender-sensitive services must be universally available, free from stigma, economic barriers, and systemic bias. 

When access aligns with rights, and healthcare prioritises gender equity, we can create a future where no woman is left behind. Every girl and woman deserve dignified, barrier-free healthcare." 

– Dr Hema Divakar, FIGO Division Director of Well Women Health Care 

"Gender equity in healthcare starts with access to family planning. FIGO member societies can lead the way in setting measurable goals to expand access, improve education and eliminate coercion in reproductive choices. By investing in equitable family planning, we empower people to make informed decisions, reduce maternal mortality and advance gender equity globally." 

–  Dr Aparna Sridhar, Division Director-Elect of Sexual & Reproductive Health and Wellbeing  

"Women’s quality of life is often overlooked. Conditions like menstrual pain, infertility and pain during intercourse are frequently dismissed because they are not life-threatening, yet they have profound socioeconomic impacts. 

A woman’s quality of life should be as valued as quantity of life. 

• Healthcare professionals must assess the impact of gynaecological health on all aspects of a woman’s life. 
• Healthcare institutions must prioritise treating benign gynaecological conditions that affect overall health. 
• Governing bodies must invest in research to enhance women's quality of life."

– Division Director-Elect of Division of Benign Surgery – Dr Megan Wasson 

"Women’s health and wellbeing across their life course is central to our health as a global community. Equal access to free pregnancy care improves outcomes for both mother and baby and must be a priority worldwide. 

Later-life health can be improved by identifying women at risk of chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes and offering simple interventions like healthy nutrition, supporting and raising awareness on the benefits of breastfeeding, and regular health checks.  

FIGO has provided some simple clinical practice tools to support women’s health: 

• FIGO Nutrition Checklist – helps to improve women’s nutrition. 
• FIGO Pregnancy Passport – Helps identify women at risk of chronic disease post-pregnancy and offers follow-up guidance."

– Professor Fionnuala McAuliffe, FIGO Division Director-Elect of Maternal & Newborn Health 

No to Violence Against Women (VAM) is the motto to accelerate action for gender equity. Partner with men and women to say no to VAW with DHEERA: Courage to say no to VAW. 

Educate boys and girls from an early age towards a gender-neutral world. Participate, preach and propagate gender equity. Say no to VAW.

– Dr S.Shantha Kumari, FIGO Treasurer