Women’s health inequalities in 15 Muslim-populated countries: Evidence from population and mortality statistics

Abstract

In this study, we examined health inequalities and the status of women as evidenced in the patterns of population and mortality statistics in fifteen Muslim-populated countries. Based on WHO data, female-to-male ratios were calculated to determine differential gender ratios of population and mortality, using Western gender patterns as a baseline. The socioeconomic contexts of the analysis were the percentage of women in parliaments data by OECD and the Gross National Income Per Capita PPP by the World Bank. The study results indicate that former USSR countries had fewer girls, suggesting gender selection, whilst fewer adult women in the Gulf States population indicate health inequalities. Female children’s mortality was under-reported, inferring under-valuing girls. Higher female adult deaths in Egypt, Iran, and the Gulf States show greater discrimination. Women in the richest Muslim countries face more inequalities and less representation in Parliament. The implications of the study are discussed.