A One Health Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (OH GESI) Framework to strengthen equity goals of One Health...

There is a persistent lack of gender and social inclusion in widely used One Health assessment, planning and implementation tools, underscoring the gap between high-level One Health policy commitments to equality and inclusion and real-world practice. Most One Health tools, including those produced by international agencies with high-level commitments, do not adequately address gender equality or social equity. To tackle this issue, the authors developed the One Health Gender Equality and Social Inclusion assessment framework (OH-GESI), which evaluates how tools support gender equality, empowerment, and social inclusion in One Health. The framework assesses approaches along a continuum-from ignoring inequalities, to being sensitive or responsive, and ultimately to transforming root causes and structural barriers. Application of OH-GESI to tools inventoried by the One Health High Level Expert Panel (OHHLEP) revealed major shortcomings in addressing gender and inclusion, while also pinpointing areas for improvement. The framework provides practical guidance for OH tool developers, users, and stakeholders, encouraging deeper integration of intersectional gender and social analysis into One Health practices. By aligning with the equity principles in the One Health Joint Plan of Action and OHHLEP's core definition, OH-GESI aims to help organizations, governments and stakeholders translate equity and inclusion commitments into meaningful action.