Fibromyalgia, gender, and employment: unveiling an overlooked reality in occupational health in Chile.

Fibromyalgia is a multifactorial syndrome characterized by chronic widespread pain, fatigue, and cognitive dysfunction that primarily affects women of working age. Because it lacks biological markers and its diagnosis is largely based on clinical criteria, fibromyalgia has been subject to gender biases that tend to minimize its symptoms and question the legitimacy of the condition. This delegitimization affects the employment trajectories of women with fibromyalgia, who experience higher rates of unemployment, withdrawal from employment, and discrimination. Studies indicate that only a minority are able to remain in the workforce and that many women feel compelled to conceal or minimize symptoms, which increases emotional exhaustion and worsens their health. In Chile, despite advances such as the enactment of Law 21,531 on fibromyalgia and non-cancer chronic pain, comprehensive programs integrating health and employment from a biopsychosocial perspective remain lacking. The aim of this article is to contribute to academic and social reflection on the occupational and psychosocial implications of fibromyalgia in women, highlighting the urgent need for inclusive strategies that support their ability to remain employed or return to work. Evidence indicates that employment plays a protective role by improving physical and mental well-being, providing economic independence, and fostering a sense of purpose. Therefore, the implementation of ergonomic interventions, reasonable accommodations, and psychoeducational strategies involving patients, families, health care teams, and employers should be prioritized. Only through inclusive policies with a gender perspective will it be possible to reduce occupational exclusion and improve the quality of life of individuals with fibromyalgia.