Report
9 September 2007

Unequal, Unfair, Ineffective and Inefficient

Author: Gita Sen, Piroska Östlin, Asha George
Published by: WHO
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Gender inequality damages the physical and mental health of millions of girls and women across the globe, and also
of boys and men despite the many tangible benefits it gives men through resources, power, authority and control.
Because of the numbers of people involved and the magnitude of the problems, taking action to improve gender
equity in health and to address women’s rights to health is one of the most direct and potent ways to reduce health
inequities and ensure effective use of health resources. Deepening and consistently implementing human rights
instruments can be a powerful mechanism to motivate and mobilize governments, people and especially women
themselves.