Women’s experiences of discrimination and the impact on health – publication of research findings
- Area of Work: The ALLIANCE
- Type: News Item
- Published: 29th June 2023
The Scottish Government research study was conducted as part of Women’s Health Plan and supported by the ALLIANCE.
The ALLIANCE is pleased to see the publication of a new research report exploring women and girls’ experiences of various forms of discrimination, and the impact that these experiences have on their health and health outcomes.
The report brings together findings from an in-depth research project, led by Scottish Government researchers, and centres the experiences of women and girls across Scotland. The ALLIANCE was pleased to partner with the Scottish Government within the project, bringing our expertise in lived experience engagement.
The research corresponds to actions within the Scottish Government’s Women’s Health Plan, and seeks to build an evidence base on women’s health inequalities, with specific focus on the impact of sexism, racism, ableism, and other forms of discrimination including homophobia and transphobia on women’s health.
There are three parts to this report. The first examines the current evidence base and provides a rationale for the research approach. The second part reports on a series of focus groups with women from different backgrounds. The final part describes the methods and analysis of in-depth interviews with young women aged 16-25 years.
Women in this research described being discriminated against in multiple ways and through cultural, institutional and interpersonal levels. The discrimination described by women in these studies was almost always intersectional, but usually underpinned by gendered inequalities. Discrimination had a very tangible effect on women’s physical and mental health, including through unequal access to healthcare and delays in referrals, diagnosis and treatment.
Key themes emerged from both the focus groups and interviews, including:
- “Excuses for not investigating”
- The concept of ‘health’ as gendered, and structural sexism
- Navigating racial discrimination
- The importance of self-advocacy
- Ageist sexism
- Socio-economic disadvantages
- Experiences with hormonal contraception
- Mental health
An overview of the thematic findings can be found on pg 5 of the report and in-depth analysis is throughout.
The report can be read here: https://www.gov.scot/publications/womens-experiences-discrimination-impact-health/
Contact socialresearch@gov.scot with queries
End of page.
End of page.
You may also like:
This flash report provides a summary of activity and findings from the 2025/26 mental health and gambling harm projects in Scotland.
Continue readingJoin Wellbeing Scotland's board to drive lasting change for people impacted by child abuse.
Continue readingScotland’s health is dependent on dedicated action from new parliament, say ALLIANCE.
Continue readingChildren in Scotland launch their new report reflecting on the impact of GIRFEC over the past 20 years.
Continue readingThis month's Digital Citizen Panel Spotlight is Heriott-Watt University's Citizen Advisory Network.
Continue readingShare your views on the proposed HCPC fee rise before 17 July to help shape the final decision
Continue readingScottish Children's Health Awards 2026 now open for nominations until 30 June.
Continue reading#TryAToolTuesday raises awareness of free and trusted apps and resources that help people improve and manage their health and wellbeing.
Continue readingImproved voting accessibility for people with Visual Impairment
Continue readingReport calls on the UK Government to ensure Access to Work is fully accessible .
Continue readingHelp shape the new guidelines
Continue readingHelp future technology become more accessible
Continue readingAn update on our ongoing engagement with BT
Continue readingFindings show a need for quicker diagnosis and improved referrals to self management support.
Continue readingThis new resource from the Social Care Institute for Excellence brings together research, data, and practice evidence.
Continue readingThe Patient Information Forum has released a report that shares the findings of it's latest survey on health literacy and digital inclusion.
Continue readingThe ALLIANCE has co-signed Samaritans Scotland's call for change.
Continue readingThe ALLIANCE has produced a report for the Scottish Parliament's Cross-party Group on Deafness.
Continue readingJoin Tommy Whitelaw for a workshop reflecting on his experience for caring for his mum and the importance of asking 'What matters to you?'.
Continue readingIndependent Review of Scotland's Legislative Framework for Children's Care Survey now open
Continue readingRead the Scotland Reducing Gambling Harm programme's event report which explores what makes lived experience platforms successful.
Continue readingAn online library of stories exploring the question, ‘What matters to you?’
Continue readingProfessionals and members of the public are being asked to take part.
Continue readingDigital Team are launching an Online Digital Learning Series, first event is on Tuesday 12th May 10.30-12noon.
Continue readingTake part in participant-led rail journey research
Continue reading