Women make up more than half the population, make greater use of health care on behalf of their families as well as themselves, and are the majority of employees in the health system.

There are differences between women and men concerning health and health care. This relates to their sex or biological differences including reproductive health, and also very importantly, to their gender, the social roles and responsibilities assumed by men and women.

Gender is one of the determinants of health, interacting with other determinants in the complex web of health influences. Gender-based analysis takes the differences between and among women and men into consideration. Good gender-based analysis takes into account and honours the diversity among women in differing abilities, culture, economics, geographic location and experiences of social exclusion/inclusion, as well as the effects of racism or colonialism. GBA also recognizes the differences in roles and health issues based on sexual orientation and for trans-gendered, two-spirit and other people.

Gender-based analysis is a systematic process that should be included in all discussions, and development of programs and policies. It is not a one-time exercise but works best as a part of ordinary ongoing work in policy and planning. The process helps explain who specifically may be prevented from participating in programs and who specifically can benefit. Considering gender in health planning, programming and policy means that precious resources of time, money and skills can be applied more effectively in health systems.

Canada's governments have made national and international commitments to apply gender-based analysis at all policy levels.

PWHCE continues to provide expertise to discussions and practical applications of gender-based analysis in health planning, at regional, national and international levels.

Gender, Diversity And HIV/AIDS. A skills building session for policymakers, practitioners and researchers. This workshop was held at the XVI International AIDS Conference held in Toronto, August 13 - 18, 2006. The primary goal of the session was to profile gender-based analysis applied with a diversity lens (GBA) as an essential tool in HIV/AIDS policy, programming and research, and to build the capacity of participants to conduct GBA. Table of Contents Audio file of this workshop can be found on the XVI International AIDS Conference website. Go to audio.

Reports:
All PWHCE-supported reports provide information about the role of gender as it affects women's health. However the following provide theoretical and practical application of gender in health planning:

	Rising to the Challenge: Sex-and gender-based analysis for health planning, policy and research in Canada.
	Guidelines for Gender Based Analysis of Health Data for Decision Making s
	Guidelines for Developing a Population Based Gender and Health Profile
	Including Gender In Health Planning - A Guide For Regional Health Authorities
	Uncovering Sex And Gender Differences in Use Patterns of Self-Help and Support Groups
	Invisible Women: Gender and Health Planning in Manitoba and Saskatchewan and Models for Progress
	Sighting Gender Based Analysis: Phase II Of Invisible Women
	A Rural Women's Health Program: The Experience of the South Westman RHA
	Voices from the Front Lines: Models of Women-Centred Care in Manitoba and Saskatchewan

Women and Health Care Reform