In 2022 England’s very first ‘Women’s Health Strategy’ will be published, following a call for evidence in 2021. This overdue review has come after decades of poorer health outcomes for women due to the ‘male by default’ health strategy in the UK, despite 51% of the population being female.

In 2019 the average life expectancy for women was 83.1 and for men it was 79.4. Despite this, there are more women living with ill-health or disability in the UK in comparison to men. Health inequalities for women are greater, with the COVID-19 pandemic only exacerbating this divide. Over the last few years, the life expectancy for women has plateaued, whereas men’s life expectancy has contained to increase.

Improving the Health and Wellbeing of Women will bring together key organisations, academics, and government bodies in providing a vital opportunity to discuss the issues facing women’s health. It will examine current and future policy surrounding women’s health, the inequalities within it, and evaluate the future for female health and wellbeing.

We will look at a wide range of topics including menopause, reproductive health, cancer, midwifery, infertility, pregnancy, contraception and menstrual conditions. As well as the research and data deficit and the taboos surrounding women’s health.