The World Economic Forum released the “CARE for Women” report, detailing a roadmap to close critical gaps in care delivery. The findings indicate women spend 25% more of their lives in poor health, emphasizing that targeted investments in women’s wellbeing are essential to improving livelihoods and supporting global economies.
The systemic failure to provide adequate care for women is not merely a public health crisis but a significant drag on global economic productivity. According to a report by the World Economic Forum titled “CARE for Women – Investing in Care Delivery to Improve Women’s Lives and Livelihoods,” women spend 25% more of their lives in poor health than their male counterparts. This disparity underscores a critical gap in care delivery that the organization seeks to address through a practical roadmap designed to improve both health outcomes and economic stability.
World Economic Forum Analysis of Care Gaps
The World Economic Forum’s findings suggest that the current state of care delivery is insufficient to meet the specific needs of women, leading to prolonged periods of ill health. By framing this as a gap in “care delivery,” the report shifts the focus from individual pathology to systemic institutional failures. The proposed roadmap aims to close these gaps, suggesting that the lack of accessible, quality care prevents women from achieving full health equity.
This health deficit creates a compounding effect. When women spend a larger portion of their lives in poor health, their ability to participate in the workforce, pursue education, and manage household responsibilities is diminished. The report argues that closing these delivery gaps is a prerequisite for improving the overall quality of life and the economic viability of women globally.
Economic and Social Dividends of Health Investment
There is a direct causal link between the physical wellbeing of women and the stability of the broader social fabric. Analysis of the issue indicates that investing in women’s health is an investment in their lives and livelihoods. The logic is straightforward: Women simply can’t do well if they can’t be well
, as noted in recent health advocacy communications.
Investing in women’s health and wellbeing doesn’t just transform their lives—it benefits families, communities, and economies.
Instagram post, March 6, 2026
When women’s health is prioritized, the benefits extend beyond the individual. Improved health outcomes allow for more consistent employment and higher productivity, which in turn stabilizes family incomes and stimulates local economies. The World Economic Forum’s emphasis on “livelihoods” suggests that care delivery is a critical component of economic policy, not just a medical concern.
Institutional Responses to Women’s Health Equity
Other global health organizations have mirrored this focus on systemic equity. PATH, for instance, signaled a shift toward integrated health strategies by launching a Women’s Health Initiative. This initiative was designed with a two-part mandate, centering the health and wellbeing of women and girls as the primary driver of health equity.
These institutional efforts indicate a growing recognition that women’s health cannot be treated as a secondary concern. Whether through the World Economic Forum’s delivery roadmap or PATH’s strategic initiatives, the goal is to move toward a model where care is proactive and accessible, rather than reactive and fragmented.
The persistence of the 25% health gap reported by the World Economic Forum suggests that while roadmaps exist, implementation remains the primary challenge. The transition from identifying gaps to executing delivery changes will determine if the promised economic and social benefits are realized.
Consult your healthcare provider for medical advice or treatment options.