Health and economic inequalities are worsening for women
Date published:
The Chamber’s latest column for The Journal by Erika Armanino, knowledge and research executive
New analysis from Health Equity North has revealed that health and economic inequalities for women in the North of England are growing, with the North East among the most affected.
While life expectancy has risen slightly, women are now spending more years in poor health. Rates of economic inactivity due to long-term sickness or disability have also increased significantly since 2020.
Girls born in the North East between 2021 and 2023 can expect to live to 81.4 years, around two years less than the national average. However, only 57.5 of those years are likely to be lived in good health, nearly six years below the national figure of 63.7.
The economic picture is just as stark. Women in the North miss out on £158 million in wages every week compared to the national average, amounting to £8.2 billion each year. This gap is made worse by higher levels of unpaid care, with women in the region contributing an estimated £10 billion annually to the economy through caregiving responsibilities.
These findings were presented at the Woman of the North Summit at Durham University, where regional leaders, including Mayor Kim McGuinness, supported the launch of the Woman of the North Charter. The Charter calls on policymakers to act across education, employment, health and welfare to tackle the growing divide.
The North East Chamber of Commerce recognises the importance of addressing these issues and continues to support efforts that promote fairness, inclusion and equal opportunity across the region.
Now is the time for meaningful action. We call on local and national leaders to work in partnership with businesses, educators and communities to close these gaps and create a fairer, healthier North for everyone.