A Work in Progress: evaluating the Women’s Health Strategy

Three years on: assessing the Strategy's impact

In 2022, the Women’s Health Strategy for England promised to reset the dial on women’s health. Over the past three years, we’ve seen green shoots of progress, including new investment in women’s health hubs and progress in research. But with almost 580,000 women still waiting for gynaecology care in England and persistent inequalities across the system, 2025 must be a turning point in delivery.

This short report provides a high-level assessment of the Strategy’s achievements to date, including progress made, the challenges that remain, and why aligning the Strategy with the Government’s 10-Year Health Plan is essential for improving access, experience and outcomes.

Progress to build on

• Women’s Health Hubs: £25 million invested between 2023-2025 to expand women’s health hubs across England.
• Contraception access:  Oral contraception now available via pharmacies and emergency contraception will be free in 2025.
• Women's health research and education: A new national research unit has been launched to strengthen the evidence base and improve impact, alongside improved access to high-quality, evidence-based education on women’s health in schools.
• Cancer prevention: NHS England announced an ambition to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040, backed by a cervical cancer elimination plan published in March 2025.
• Maternal mental health: £3 million invested in Family Hubs & Start for Life and over 400 hubs in place to support perinatal care and mental health across the country.

Challenges we must address

• Health inequalities: Women in the most deprived areas face shorter life expectancy and higher maternal risk.
• Gynaecology waiting lists: Almost 580,000 women and people still waiting for care.
• Contraception access: Barriers remain, particularly for long-acting contraception (LARC) methods and for people in deprived or racially minoritised groups.
• Cervical screening: Coverage remains well below NHS targets, with only 69% screened in 2023–2024.

Refreshing the Strategy: our policy recommendations

We recommend that the Women’s Health Strategy for England is refreshed in 2025 and aligns with the wider health reform agenda, as set out in the 10 Year Health Plan. Our recommendations focus on strategic delivery, stronger services, and long-term investment.

About this report

This short report was developed by the RCOG’s Policy and Public Affairs team. It builds on our Better for Women report and supports our continued call for a whole life course approach to care.