Science and gender: Public Health challenges for sustainable development

Abstract

Gender equity in science was addressed as a key factor for sustainable development, particularly in the field of public health. The discussion highlighted how women's historical contributions have often been overlooked and analyzed gender gaps from psychosocial and sociocultural perspectives. Using the case of Cuba, where women constitute the majority of healthcare personnel but exhibit marked horizontal segregation, as a reference, it was argued that integrating a gender perspective is a fundamental challenge for achieving Sustainable Development Goals 3 and 5. Two dimensions of action were proposed: the organizational level, to foster equitable work environments and work-life balance, and the delivery of health services, incorporating gender as a social determinant to improve efficiency, coverage, and equity.