Gender Equality Adds 3+ Years to Everyone's Life Expectancy

When countries treat women equally, something remarkable happens: everyone lives longer.

A groundbreaking study published in PLOS Global Public Health tracked 156 countries over 11 years and found a powerful connection between gender equality and longevity. For every 10% increase in gender equality, women lived an average of 3.6 years longer and men lived 2.9 years longer.

The research, led by Dr. Cat Pinho-Gomes from The George Institute for Global Health and Imperial College London, compared life expectancy data from 2010 to 2021. Researchers measured gender equality across four key areas: economic participation, educational opportunity, political empowerment, and physical wellness.

The findings challenge the assumption that progress for women comes at a cost to others. Instead, the data reveals that lifting barriers for women creates better conditions for entire populations.

"Many of the factors that determine how long you will live are layered with gender differences around the world," Pinho-Gomes explained. These factors include working conditions, pollution exposure, healthcare access, education, income, and social support.

One factor stood out above all others: education. Gender equality in educational opportunity showed the strongest correlation with longer life expectancy for both men and women.

"This suggests investing in education is paramount, particularly in low and middle-income countries, where many girls are still denied access to education," Pinho-Gomes said. When girls gain equal access to learning, the benefits cascade through families and communities.

The Ripple Effect

The study's global scope demonstrates that this isn't a regional phenomenon or cultural coincidence. Across vastly different societies and economic systems, the pattern held true: societies that embrace gender equality create healthier, longer lives for everyone.

The mechanism makes sense. When women participate fully in political life, policies become more inclusive. When women access economic opportunities, household incomes rise and poverty decreases. When women receive equal healthcare and education, they're better positioned to support their families and communities.

"As countries make greater progress towards gender equality and women are afforded the opportunity to participate more fully in political, economic, and social life, the whole of society reaps the rewards," Pinho-Gomes concluded.

The research adds powerful evidence to the case for gender equality: it's not a zero-sum game, but a rising tide that lifts everyone.