title: Examining gender equity in health policies in a low- (Peru), middle- (Colombia), and high- (Canada) income country in the Americas.
abstract: Gender inequities in health prevail in most countries despite ongoing attempts to eliminate them. Assessment of gender-sensitive health policies can be used to identify country specific progress as well as gaps and issues that need to be addressed to meet health equity goals. This study selected and measured the existence of gender-sensitive health policies in a low- (Peru), middle- (Colombia), and high (Canada)-income country in the Americas. Investigators selected 10 of 20 gender-sensitive health policy indicators and found eight to be feasible to measure in all three countries, although the wording and scope varied. The results from this study inform policy makers and program planners who aim to develop, improve, implement, and monitor national gender-sensitive health policies. Future studies should assess the implementation of policy indicators within countries and assess their performance in increasing gender equity.
authors.affiliation: University Health Network Women's Health Program, 200 Elizabeth Street, EN 7-229, Toronto, ON, Canada.
authors.forename: Donna E
authors.initials: DE
authors.lastname: Stewart
authors.forename: Linda M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Dorado
authors.forename: Natalia
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Diaz-Granados
authors.forename: Marta
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Rondon
authors.forename: Javier
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Saavedra
authors.forename: Jose
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Posada-Villa
authors.forename: Yolanda
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Torres
mesh_terms: D002170:Canada; D003105:Colombia; D003431:Cross-Cultural Comparison; D005260:Female; D005783:Gender Identity; D006291:Health Policy / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D054624:Health Status Disparities; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006801:Humans; D007182:Income; D008297:Male; D016524:Parental Leave / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D010568:Peru; D011287:Prejudice; D034121:Reproductive Health Services / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D046269:Reproductive Rights / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D012742:Sex Offenses / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D014754:Violence / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence