Goal 5: Inequality in health, wellbeing and quality of life must be counteracted and prevented
All Nordic inhabitants are entitled to the best possible levels of mental and physical health, and access to health and social care services. Moreover, equal access to health is a prerequisite for equal participation in society.
In the Nordic countries, life expectancy is increasing for people of all genders, but major health inequalities still exist in relation to gender: Women generally perceive their own health as poorer compared to men, and young women in particular suffer from poor mental health. Men live shorter lives, are more likely to commit suicide and less likely to seek help (e.g. medical attention) than women. They are also more likely to fall into some kind of abuse or addiction. Men are more likely to be the perpetrators of violence, and they are also more often the victim of arbitrary violence and violence perpetrated by strangers. Women are more likely to be subjected to sexual violence, sexual victimisation and intimate partner violence.
In many parts of the world, women and girls' right to bodily autonomy and to access safe abortions are being curtailed at the present time. The right to self-determination over one's own body and to access safe abortions remains a key prerequisite for achieving gender equality – both in the Nordic Region and globally.
When it comes to health, LGBTI people are more vulnerable compared to the population at large. For example, rates of substance abuse are higher among LGBTI people, as are the rates of self-harm, suicide, and levels of stress. Moreover, health and care services are generally designed for the mainstream population.
The right to self-determination over one's own body and to access safe abortions remains a key prerequisite for achieving gender equality.