Gender Analysis and Use of Intersectionality in Health

Abstract

In this chapter, gender analysis is conducted from an intersectional lens to see how well the concept of gender is included at policy and research levels. Using international evidence to contextualise gender in relation to different regional experiences from the low-, middle- and high-income countries, the review demonstrates that there is poor quality information and lack of robust data that presents limitations and difficulties in terms of understanding gender inequalities in health. The chapter argues that women and men cannot be uniformly considered disadvantaged in terms of health. Inequalities are not concentrated in one gender or the other rather disadvantaged social positions that are multidimensional and are fundamental causes of gender inequities in health. Therefore, the focus needs to be on understanding health inequities rather than health inequalities, which should be explored through the intersecting domains of inclusion, exclusion and identity that have potential to explain where inequalities exist and why. The chapter argues that serious gender analysis requires an intersectional approach with a spatial dimension. Finally, it discusses how well gender in decentralised system is included at research and governance levels. It then concludes that the concepts of decentralisation and health equity require women empowerment as well empowerment and involvement of those who are socially excluded at institutional levels.