Gender

Gender refers to socially constructed roles, behaviours, activities, and attributes that a given society considers appropriate for men and women. Sex refers to the biological and physiological characteristics that define men and women, boys and girls. The role of gender and sex disparities in immunization coverage has been subject to much debate in recent years with terminology often used interchangeably (WHO 2010b). Differences based on sex and gender are important for understanding and improving outcomes and uptake rates for vaccination. A gender--‐specific focus can be described as “research [that] comes from an approach that is considerate of the multifaceted nature of gender” (Beetham and Demetriades 2007, p. 199). Gender in health care research is, while almost always present as a variable, not necessarily clearly recognised or accurately analysed (1)

As race, class, age, ethnic group, etc. the notion of gender needs to be understood

clearly as a cross-cutting socio-cultural variable. Gender refers to social attributes that

are learned or acquired during socialisation as a member of a given community.

Gender is therefore an acquired identity. Because these attributes are learned

behaviours, they are context/ time-specific and changeable (with increasing rapidity as

the rate of technological change intensifies), and vary across cultures. Gender

therefore refers to the socially given attributes, roles, activities, responsibilities and

needs connected to being men (masculine) and women (feminine) in a given society at

a given time, and as a member of a specific community within that society. Women and

men’s gender identity determines how they are perceived and how they are expected

to think and act as men and women. Gender determines what is expected, allowed and

valued in a woman or a man in a given context. In most societies there are differences

and inequalities between women and men in responsibilities assigned, activities

undertaken, access to and control over resources, as well as decision-making

opportunities. Other important criteria for socio-cultural analysis include class, race,

poverty level, ethnic group and age. (2,3)

In striving to achieve the highest standard of health for all, our society’s health policies

must recognise that women and men - due to their biological differences, their access

to resources - have different needs and are faced with dfferent obstacles and

opportunities.Socially constructed inequalities or gender differences between males

and females also play a central role in determining if individuals can realise their

potential for long, healthy lives. By acknowledging the interaction between sex and

gender, possibilities open up for improved health care.

(1) ASSET Report on Gender Issues in Pandemics and Epidemics

(2) Gender Mainstreaming Learning & Information Pack, UNDP

(3) Concepts and Definitions prepared by the Office of the Special Adviser on Gender

Issues and Advancement of Women (OSAGI)