Gender parity at scale: Examining correlations of country-level female participation in education and work with measures of men's and women's survival

Abstract

Background: Past research has demonstrated the relationship between women's educational levels and other measures of social development with maternal and child health outcomes. This study examines the relationship between gender parity in education and work, achieved through greater female participation in both spheres, with survival in both women and men. Methods: Utilizing cross-sectional indicators from United Nations agencies, we constructed global indices of gender parity in education and work for international comparison. Multivariable regression was performed to assess relationships between gender parity index scores and national mortality rates or life expectancy indicators. Findings: Gender parity in both arenas was significantly associated with improved health outcomes after controlling for country health expenditures and other characteristics. A 10% higher country educational parity index score was associated with 59¢5 fewer maternal deaths per 100 000 live births, a 2¢1-year increase in female life expectancy, and almost a 1-year increase in male life expectancy at birth. Similarly, a 10% higher work parity index score was significantly associated with 14¢6 fewer maternal deaths per 100 000 live births and a 0¢9-year increase in female life expectancy at birth, with no deleterious relationship to male life expectancy. Interpretation: This study extends past research by examining actionable areas of gender equality and their impact on both male and female survival. While longitudinal research is needed to examine both causality and mechanisms, our findings suggest longevity gains for both women and men, and for all children through reduced maternal mortality, where greater parity in school and work is exhibited. Funding: No funding source directly supported the work in this manuscript. We are deeply indebted to the Conrad N Hilton Foundation for its support of Adva Gadoth as a Hilton Scholar.

The influence of gender dynamics on polio eradication efforts at the community, workplace, and organizational level

“…On the other hand, female vaccinators are preferred by communities and have easier access to households – a key strategy in reaching every last child. Increasing the representation of female workers within polio vaccination programs not only helps to increase coverage of vaccination [ 31 ], but also supports the empowerment of women in communities in which employment is limited [ 32 ], and can improve health outcomes [ 33 ]. Increasing women’s involvement in the workforce, however, can have unintended consequences within the household.…”

We all progress through progress towards gender equality

“…In this context, the study by Gadoth and Heymann provides robust evidence about the relationship between country-level female participation in education and work with measures of both men's and women's survival [4]. Using the 2015 (the latest available year) UN agencies' data for 97 countries from every income level and geographical region in the world, the authors constructed new indices of gender parity in education and work and plotted them against health outcomes pertaining to both female and male life expectancy at birth as well as maternal mortality.…”

Gender equality: Framing a special collection of evidence for all

“…While gender-based discrimination drives many women out of medical academic and health systems, [1,4] Gadot et al [8] build on work by Heymann et al [1] showing benefits of gender equality in education and work. Using an index of educational parity, they show that increases in gender parity in education across multiple countries are associated with reduced maternal mortality and longer life (two full years) for women.…”

“…Greater representation of lady medical officers within primary healthcare facilities in India was found to be associated with improved reproductive and maternal health. [8] This suggests that improving gender parity in the health workforce and access to female physicians is an important potential leverage point for improving maternal health.…”