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African American women of three generations hugging
Health inequalities affect women and girls of African descent throughout their lives, limiting access to services and the quality of care they receive.
Photo:Adobe Stock/WavebreakMediaMicro

Right to health - a fundamental right still denied

The right to the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health is a fundamental human right. Yet for many women and girls of African descent, this right remains out of reach because of systemic racism, gender discrimination and persistent social and economic inequalities.

Barriers to quality healthcare

Across the world, women and girls of African descent continue to face barriers to accessible, quality and culturally appropriate health care. These barriers are reinforced by intersecting inequalities related to poverty, education, employment and living conditions. Discrimination within health systems can contribute to delayed diagnosis, inadequate treatment, obstetric violence and unequal access to sexual and reproductive health services.

The consequences are especially severe in maternal health. A , the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ's sexual and reproductive health agency, found that women and girls of African descent across the Americas face disadvantages before, during and after pregnancy. The Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO) has also : maternal mortality ratios were 1.4 times higher among Afro-descendant women in Brazil, 2.3 times higher in Colombia and nearly four times higher in Ecuador than the respective national ratios. At the same time, the limited collection of data disaggregated by race or ethnic origin leaves many inequalities hidden and insufficiently addressed.

Making inequalities visible

These disparities are not inevitable. Realizing the right to health requires States to confront systemic racism and discrimination, ensure respectful maternal care, expand access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services, and invest in equitable, people- and community-centred health systems. It also requires culturally appropriate and intercultural approaches that respect the dignity, experiences, knowledge and practices of women and girls of African descent.

Collecting and using data disaggregated by race or ethnic origin, sex, age and other relevant characteristics is essential to making inequalities visible, shaping effective public policy and strengthening accountability.

Leadership and participation

Women and girls of African descent must also be able to participate meaningfully in the design, implementation and evaluation of the health policies and programmes that affect their lives.

Health equity is not only a public health imperative. It is a matter of human rights, dignity and social justice.

Call to Action

To truly uplift the woman and girl child of African descent, we must move beyond statements to bold, transformative action. This includes:

, skills training, and mentorship programmes for girls and young women of African descent.

racial and gender stereotypes in media, policy, and education.

in political, legal, and corporate leadership¡ªwhere voices of African-descended women shape decisions.

Supporting data collection that is disaggregated by race and gender to inform targeted, just policies.

Protecting rights defenders, activists, and community leaders from violence and suppression.

Why Focus on Women and Girls of African Descent?

Women and girls of African descent continue to face multiple and overlapping forms of discrimination, manifesting in higher rates of poverty (SDG 1), barriers to education (SDG 4), limited access to quality healthcare (SDG 3), and underrepresentation in decision-making (SDG 5, SDG 10, SDG 16). Despite these injustices, their resilience shines through. From grassroots organizing to professional excellence, their contributions are shaping communities, economies, and cultures. They are not just beneficiaries of development, they are leaders of it. The urgency to address these systemic inequalities is reaffirmed in Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ General Assembly Resolution , which designates 25 July as a day to honor women and girls of African descent. The resolution calls for renewed global action and accountability to eliminate racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance, particularly as they affect women and girls of African descent.

Watch 

 

Beijing 30+ Africa Stories

In East and Southern Africa, the Generation Equality team is supporting the regional by engaging commitment makers, empowering youth activists and champions, and leading monthly deep dives on the 12 critical areas of the Beijing Platform for Action.

 

Resources

  • (A/RES/68/237)

Related websites

Gender data gaps continue to hinder progress for women and girls of African descent. While data on intimate partner violence exists, critical gaps remain, especially in areas like online abuse, humanitarian crises, and intersecting issues such as race, disability, and migration. In many African countries, limited funding and weak gender statistics systems make these experiences invisible in policymaking. Without disaggregated, context-specific data, prevention and response efforts fall short. To truly advance gender equality and meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), we must invest in robust, that center the realities of women and girls of African descent and inform transformative action.

Girls and young women are increasingly stepping forward as advocates, leaders, and changemakers. Through their work in education, disability inclusion, , gender equality, and youth empowerment, they are challenging stereotypes and demanding equal opportunities for themselves and their communities. Their voices are transforming conversations, inspiring others to speak up, and proving that leadership is not limited by age or background. From creating peer networks to raising awareness in schools and communities, young girls and women are showing resilience, courage, and determination. 

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International days and weeks are occasions to educate the public on issues of concern, to mobilize political will and resources to address global problems, and to celebrate and reinforce achievements of humanity. The existence of international days predates the establishment of the United Nations, but the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ has embraced them as a powerful advocacy tool. We also mark other Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ observances.