Abstract
Women have made tremendous contributions to social, cultural, and economic
development of their respective communities. However, globally especially in
developing countries such as in Nigeria, available data on the general health status
of women have drawn little attention to the consequences and costs of failing to
address women health issues on society’s development. The paper examines
women’s health status and its effect on economic development; the factors
accounting for persistence of low level of women’s health status in the society as
well as the prospects of improving women’s health status in Nigeria. Making
cultural lag theory, the study highlights the interplay of cultural barriers and social
determinants of women’s health. It draws attention to the emerging issues facing
women, in increasing exposure and vulnerability to risk, limiting access to
healthcare and information, and influencing health outcomes.
Key Words: Cultural, health, prospects, status, women