Women's Health Plan - phase two 2026 to 2029: equality impact assessment

Executive summary

Women and girls experience various health needs and risks during their lives which are not the same as those of men. This may relate to starting and managing periods, choosing contraception, accessing abortion services, planning for pregnancy, managing pelvic floor health, managing menopause symptoms and the manifestation of chronic conditions such as heart disease. We know women are more likely to experience osteoporosis and dementia, and therefore need specific support and information to manage their health and wellbeing in their later years.

Taking an intersectional lens, the Plan aims to address the inequalities that affect the health of all women and girls in Scotland. Phase Two includes cross-cutting actions focussing on data, information provision, research, awareness raising and innovation alongside specific actions relating to different areas of women’s health including gynaecology, cervical cancer, menopause, menstrual health, heart health, bone health and brain health.