Beyond Coverage: Gender Responsive UHC is a Right

We are in a pivotal moment for universal health coverage (UHC) and the right to health. The pushback against sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) threatens access to crucial healthcare services for girls and women across the globe. COVID-19 took a toll on health and on health workers, especially women. We need urgent action and we have opportunities at national and global levels, including as countries negotiate on UHC at the United Nations.

During this in-person event during the Women Deliver Conference in Rwanda, speakers shared their priorities and experiences in building gender-responsive, resilient health systems. 

Speakers included:

1. Swostika Thapaliya, General Secretary, YUWA (Nepal)
2. Farida Yolande, Youth Advocate (Burkina Faso) 
3. Oriana López Uribe, Realizing Sexual and Reproductive Justice (RESURJ) and Vecinas Feministas (Mexico)
4. Afi Kpaba, Community Health Worker (Togo)
5. Nelly Munyasia, Executive Director for Reproductive Health Network (Kenya)
6. Jennifer Gersbeck, Executive Director, Global Advocacy at The Fred Hollows Foundation and Global Chapter Steering Committee Member, WiGH (Australia) as a moderator

Key Takeaway

• The need to think beyond coverage at a time when the impact of COVID conflict and climate change has exacerbated gender inequalities in accessing health services, and sexual and reproductive health and rights. 
• The  investment needed in decent work to protect the fundamental rights of health workers 
• The right to  health and right to education for young people is fundamental for achieving universal health coverage 
• Gender equity in leadership must always be prioritized at all levels. 
• Interventions should be across the life course by ensuring services are available for all. 
• Collective efforts and steadfast collaboration among various stakeholders will transform societies,  save lives, and shape, and create a better world for generations to come. 
• Importance of CSOs’ role in influencing the upcoming High-Level Meeling on UHC.