Women\u27s right to health has been reiterated many times. However, there are social and cultural barriers in developing countries that hinder their empowerment. Women\u27s low status, deprivation of education and lack of control over their own lives and bodies have a negative impact on their health status and that of their families. This paper discusses women\u27s empowerment and health within the framework of the 4 institutions of power in a society-family, community, health care systems and the state--with special reference to the situation in Pakistan. It concludes that to improve women\u27s health status, concerted efforts are needed by all these institutions of power to work towards gender equality and the greater empowerment of women
