New report explores health, sex and gender inequalities

Published by VHS, the new report shares insights from Scotland’s third sector.

(IN)VISIBLE, a new report from Voluntary Health Scotland, pulls together evidence and insights from across its membership, the wider sector, and national and academic sources to identify key themes in the relationship between sex, gender, and health. From the evidence gathered, the report identifies broad themes regarding the causes of gender-related health inequalities, as well as providing six recommendations for future action.

The research was undertaken between November 2025 and March 2026. All VHS members and stakeholders were invited to participate through an anonymous survey, 2 workshops, and a series of 1-1 discussions. Some also chose to send written evidence or links to publications.

The report highlights a range of gendered health inequalities across Scotland. Women frequently report having their pain or symptoms minimised, leading to delays in diagnosis and treatment, while gaps in clinical research continue to limit understanding of sex-specific health needs.

Trans and non-binary people face additional barriers, including difficulties accessing appropriate services and concerns about inclusive healthcare environments, leading to some avoiding health care altogether.

For men, societal stigma is a significant barrier to seeking support for mental health issues or trauma, contributing to higher incidences of ‘deaths of despair’ related to suicide, substance misuse or homelessness. Women, meanwhile, face societal pressure to provide unpaid care for loved ones, often at the expense of their own health.

Gendered health inequalities are compounded further when an individual is older, has a disability, is LGBTQ+, or is from an ethnic minority group. Many older women are left feeling like a burden when seeking care, whilst many disabled and migrant women experience discrimination in Scotland’s maternity system.

The report identifies six recommendations:

1. Ensure that health policy reflects the totality of sex and gender-related health inequalities.
2. Ensure that health research and data reflect the impact of sex and gender on health experiences and outcomes, including how sex and gender intersect with other protected characteristics.
3. Ensure that the wider health workforce is required to undertake tailored training on the specific impact of sex and gender on health outcomes and experiences, in line with efforts to embed Realistic Medicine.
4. Invest in dedicated systems, services and spaces that address common sex and gender-related barriers that contribute to ‘missingness’ in healthcare.
5. Invest in campaigns to raise public awareness of the impact of sex and gender on health experiences and outcomes.
6. Recognise the vital role of the third sector in understanding intersectional health inequalities, providing inclusive services and amplifying voices of lived experience.

To read the full (IN)VISIBLE report, visit the VHS website.

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