Closing the gender divide in digital health

Women are 13% less likely than men to own a smartphone and are significantly less likely to have internet access. Yet digital health systems are being designed and deployed as if these gaps do not exist. The result: digital transformation is too often amplifying the inequities it should be solving – leaving women, adolescent girls, and marginalised communities further behind. Transform Health is demanding a different approach.

READ OUR CALL TO ACTION

What we're calling for

Mainstream gender in digital health

Invest in people, infrastructure and systems

Ensure robust legislation and regulation

What we're doing

1

Making the case for investment and action

Transform Health’s policy brief, ‘Establishing Gender Equitable Foundations for Digital Health Transformation – to Advance Universal Health Coverage’, setts out our recommendations to strengthen the foundations and guardrails for a gender equitable digital health transformation to advance progress towards UHC. We continue to elevate this call for action across our work, including our engagement with governments and other stakeholders, and during events and processes.

2

Celebrating women leaders in digital health

Through the Women Leaders in Digital Health database, Transform Health is increasing the visibility and recognition of women experts in the field, and to help partners, policymakers, and organisations identify and engage them across regions and thematic discussions. It also aims to strengthen networks among women in digital health and support more diverse, inclusive representation in panels, advisory, and leadership roles.

3

Partnering to elevate issues and drive change

Transform Health works with partners to advance gender equity in digital health – elevating critical issues, shaping policy dialogue, and driving inclusive systems change that is rights-based and responsive to the needs of women and marginalised communities.

As a member of African Women in Digital Health, we support the network’s mission to strengthen women’s leadership and promote gender-responsive digital health ecosystems across Africa.

We co-host convenings, campaigns, and dialogues that bring visibility to gender gaps and mobilise action – including a podcast series launched for International Women’s Day 2025 and a 2026 webinar on, “Inclusive by Design: Gender Equity in Digital Health Investments for Adolescent Girls and Young Women.

Upcoming Events

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Transform Health events