The Influence of Religions on Women’s Health

The article examines how religions—particularly the five world religions (Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism)—affect the physical and mental health of women. In this context, religions are not only limited to the individual practice of religious faith, but are understood as actors of global civil society. Despite their massive influence on women’s health, religions have received little resonance in medical and development policy debates. The thesis is put forward that religions can both promote and inhibit sociocultural practices in the interest of women’s health. Therefore, a willingness to change within religions is necessary to support the health of future generations of girls and women.