GFN Insights #17 | WHY LESS THAN 5% MEANS WOMEN ARE BEING IGNORED IN HEALTH POLICY?
May 19, 2026 by gfn.tv
GFN Insights #17 | WHY LESS THAN 5% MEANS WOMEN ARE BEING IGNORED IN HEALTH POLICY?
Women’s health continues to be underrepresented in research, policy development, and public health decision-making despite growing evidence of persistent gender-based disparities in healthcare access and outcomes. In many low- and middle-income countries, women who use nicotine products or seek safer alternatives remain largely invisible within tobacco control and harm reduction discussions. Researchers increasingly argue that the absence of gender-sensitive data and policy frameworks contributes to barriers in access, education, and appropriate health interventions. Expanding representation of women’s experiences in public health research may be essential for developing more equitable and evidence-based health policies.
6.00% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 767,000 current smokers in Malawi 11.50% of men are current smokers but only 1.00% of women.
SOURCE: GSTHR
