A philosophy, approach, or policy prioritizing the needs, perspectives, and well-being of women. This often involves actively addressing gender-based inequalities, promoting women's leadership and empowerment, and considering the unique challenges and experiences faced by women in various contexts, such as healthcare, education, economics, and social justice. It signifies a commitment to rectifying historical disadvantages and creating a more equitable society where women can thrive. The concept frequently intersects with feminist principles and aims to achieve gender equality through deliberate actions.
Women-first meaning with examples
- The organization adopted a women-first approach to its international aid programs, focusing on supporting women-led businesses and providing healthcare services tailored to female needs. This approach has demonstrably improved women's economic independence and improved their access to essential services.
- In the development of new legislation, the government implemented a women-first lens, ensuring that policies relating to childcare, parental leave, and workplace harassment were designed with women’s safety and well-being as paramount concerns and to promote gender equality.
- The company’s women-first hiring initiative aimed to increase female representation in leadership positions. This proactive approach ensured that women had equal opportunities for career advancement, fostering diversity and contributing to a more balanced corporate culture.
- The healthcare system is developing a women-first approach to addressing maternal health disparities, implementing specialized clinics and community programs that focus on the specific health needs of women during and after pregnancy, including mental health.
- Activists advocated for a women-first policy in environmental protection, pushing for regulations that considered the impact of pollution and climate change on women’s health and their ability to secure resources and safe shelter.