Global Public Health and Gender Theory:

Gender refers to something distinct from biological sex. It is not equivalent to women and girls, or men and boys, but encompasses people of all genders. It is socially constructed and influenced by laws, politics, policies, communities, families and individuals. It shapes how we behave, act and feel, the attitudes and expectations we have of ourselves and of others. Gender norms determine our positions and roles in society. Global health players continue to do too little to address the very real impact of gender and its accompanying issues, such as power and politics, norms, access, vulnerability and violence, on people’s health.