FIGO at 70: Navigating challenges in the global women's health landscape

Abstract

The evolving geopolitical landscape, marked by increasing multipolarity, continues to impact the field of women's health, particularly as we face mounting pushback on sexual and reproductive health and rights.^1-5 Despite our best efforts to accelerate progress in multiple focus areas, such as reducing maternal and perinatal mortality⁶ and combating reproductive cancers,⁷ significant challenges persist. Growing awareness of gender and health inequities, and unfulfilled commitments in primary health care and universal health care, highlight the urgent need for action.⁸ The goal of establishing resilient health systems remains unrealized, with some nations experiencing stagnation, regression, or “service deserts”.⁹ These challenges are further exacerbated by shifts in the health workforce landscape, underscoring the need for innovative healthcare delivery models.

Investing in human capital is paramount—particularly in women's health, where our work directly impacts future generations. We face numerous global challenges: armed conflicts, climate change, severe malnutrition,¹⁰ humanitarian crises, and infectious disease threats from COVID-19 to Mpox.¹¹ These challenges highlight the need for enhanced global health security, decolonization, and equitable justice. Additional pressures include technological disruption, cultural shifts, increasing violence against women and girls (particularly in conflict zones), and global economic instability.

Going forward, FIGO aims to expand its educational offerings and maintain long-term influence to positively transform societies. Future growth will focus on sexual and reproductive health, cervical cancer elimination, and targeted support for adolescents, people living with HIV, and new mothers, particularly in resource-limited settings. We also prioritize gender equity and leveraging data to demonstrate impact across our initiatives.

FIGO has global reach and continues to expand its member societies, with four new societies having joined us in 2023. We work with national societies to promote sustainability, foster collaboration and reduce power imbalances. As an organization, we benefit from a unique positioning that enables us to articulate issues relating to women's health and rights on the global stage, as well as at a local level, collaborating towards achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. Innovative funding models and partnerships will accelerate progress towards FIGO's vision—that women of the world achieve the highest possible standards of physical, mental, reproductive and sexual health and wellbeing throughout their lives.

As FIGO leaders and as individuals, I implore all of us to advocate intentionally and consistently for women's health worldwide. Our evidence-based approach drives best practice, shapes policy, and improves population health outcomes. Women professionals in particular often carry multiple roles—as healthcare providers, caregivers, and champions for future generations. We are changing not only the lives of patients, but of their families, communities and nations.¹⁴ We call for partnership to accelerate positive change. Despite current challenges, I am calling each of us to action. Together, we can overcome.

AK was responsible for concept generation, writing and review of this paper.

The author has no conflicts of interest to declare.