However, it is important to not over-simplify this definition; women’s healthcare also includes diseases which are more prevalent in women and health purchasing behaviour which is more common among females (e.g. aesthetic treatment) all of which present huge opportunities for the pharma industry.
Furthermore despite persistent gender wage gaps, women globally earn and own more than ever before and are expected to control nearly 75 percent of discretionary spending worldwide by 2028. In emerging markets, the women's health space is also deeply influenced by gender roles and societal attitudes to sex and reproduction. It is extremely dynamic from a global perspective; as such, the opportunity for women’s health varies widely from one country to another. An understanding of this and the associated challenges is fundamental when defining and establishing the opportunity for pharmaceutical companies in this area.
What are the key takeaways?
- Why understanding and improving women’s health in emerging markets can be challenging
- How market research can be used to understand behaviours and attitudes to different women’s health issues
- What strategies global pharma can develop to support women and overcome these challenges