'Putting profit over people': Australian women's perceptions of the economic and commercial systems shaping women's health and social inequities.

The commercial determinants of health are important drivers of population health, although their influence on women's health and social inequities remain underexplored. This study explored Australian women's perceptions of how economic and commercial factors influence women's health and wellbeing and the actions needed to address these influences and advance gender equity. An online qualitative survey was completed by 506 Australian women aged 18 years and over. Data were analysed using a reflexive approach to thematic analysis. Women described health and social inequities as arising from interconnected economic, commercial, political, and gendered systems. Four themes were constructed from the data. First, women described financial barriers that limited access to essential goods, services, and healthcare. Second, they linked workplace practices, including inflexible work, insecure employment, and discrimination, to poorer health and wellbeing. Third, they identified a range of gendered, social, and environmental harms associated with industries they believed prioritized profit over health. Finally, participants called for stronger government regulation, greater corporate accountability, improved workplace protections, and more equitable access to healthcare and essential services. Findings highlight the need for public health responses that address the broader economic, commercial, and political systems shaping women's health and social inequities. Recognizing women as experts in their own lives can strengthen research, policy, and advocacy and support approaches that prioritize health and wellbeing over commercial interests.