For decades, women’s health was treated as a niche, an afterthought in research, investment, and innovation. That era is over. A movement is underway, one that recognizes a fundamental truth: investing in women’s health is not just about social good; it’s one of the most significant economic opportunities of our time.
This is the first of a four-part series exploring the boom in women’s health, the barriers to its growth, and the new playbook for brands that dare to lead.
The numbers are staggering. A groundbreaking 2024 report from the World Economic Forum (WEF) and the McKinsey Health Institute revealed that women spend a shocking 25% more of their lives in poor health compared to men. This isn’t just a health crisis; it’s a massive economic drag.
The same report quantifies the opportunity with stunning clarity. Closing the women’s health gap could inject at least $1 trillion into the global economy annually by 2040. In fact, nine priority conditions alone could cover $400B/year of opportunity. This data-driven projection is based on boosting data availability, improving care delivery, and increasing investment in treatments that address women’s specific health needs.
For medical device companies, healthcare providers, and the marketers who support them, the takeaway is clear: the focus on women’s health is no longer a “nice to have.” It is essential. The market is demanding that we become more invested and build a more equitable healthcare system.
The brands that lead this charge won’t just be on the right side of history, they’ll be at the forefront of a trillion-dollar frontier.
— In Part 2, we’ll explore the FemTech and MedTech revolution this opportunity has ignited. —
SOURCES:
- Blueprint to close the women’s health gap: How to improve lives and economies for all – McKinsey
- New report identifies a blueprint to close the women’s health gap | McKinsey & Company
- Women’s Health Impact Tracking Platform
- Closing the Women’s Health Gap: A $1 Trillion Opportunity to Improve Lives and Economies – World Economic Forum