This chapter presents information on the status and impact of arthritis and rheumatism on women in Canada. Arthritis is a far more prevalent condition among women than among men. Findings from numerous studies have shown that rheumatoid arthritis affects up to 2.5 times as many women as men and that the female:male ratio for osteoarthritis is approximately 2:1. The impact of the disease will be measured in terms of ill health, pain, long-term disability and health care utilization.