Gender: key points

    • Gender and sex are linked concepts but have important differences. 
    • The 2010 Equality Act aims to strengthen protection from discrimination and support progress on equality. It covers nine ‘protected characteristics’ of which sex is one. It replaces all previous anti-discrimination legislation.
    • Gender constructs can lead to gender stereotyping which is detrimental to health equality.
    • Gender and sex are determinants of health. Many health conditions, health behaviours, service access, and exposures to health risks from wider determinants vary by sex and gender.
    • Gender-based violence is a serious public health problem, which is being tackled through a national programme of work in the NHS and via the Scottish Government’s violence against women and girls strategy, Equally Safe. 

Section updates:

  • This section was updated in December 2024.
  • The next update is due to be carried out by end December 2025. The update will include consultation with experts in gender to ensure the section is addressing all relevant aspects of gender in public health.