Healthcare and the gender gap

As an advocate for equality, I am increasingly aware of the disparities and inequalities that exist within the healthcare industry, whether for women as patients or as employees.

For too long, women’s experiences in healthcare research have been overlooked. This is largely due to the pervasive myth that men are the default human in scientific research. It has resulted in a lack of historical data and understanding of women’s unique health needs, leading to a lack of effective treatments and diagnoses. For example, a report by the @World Health Organization states that cardiovascular diseases are the number one cause of death among women globally, responsible for over 25% of all female deaths each year. Yet, most clinical trials for cardiovascular treatments still enrol mostly men, leaving women at a disadvantage when it comes to effective and appropriate treatments.

Additionally, the gender pay gap remains a significant issue in the industry. According to the @World Health Organization, the average pay gap in the healthcare sector is 24%. This disparity not only affects the earning potential of women, but also affects their ability to advance in their careers and attain leadership positions. This, in turn, has a negative impact on the representation of women in decision-making processes and perpetuates the cycle of inequality.

The first step in fixing this problem is acknowledging its existence. By raising awareness and shining a light on these issues, we are starting to make changes towards creating a more equitable healthcare system.

#Xproject is a great initiative that begins to tackle such problems. While I was somewhat aware of many of these unfair facts, it is startling to see them all laid out in black & white. It is crucial to support projects such as these, highlighting injustices and bringing them to the forefront. It is a long-term commitment to X (the female chromosome often overlooked in healthcare), which has led to healthcare partnerships and a new approach to research to improve healthcare for women with the help of experts everywhere. There is so much insight to be gained and applied, such as the use of technology in women’s healthcare and the opportunities provided for women to thrive in the field.

There are several key areas that need to be addressed to improve the health and well-being of women in healthcare, such as the following not-exhaustive list:

• Increasing the representation of women in clinical trials and medical research to ensure that treatments and diagnoses are appropriate and effective for them.
• Addressing the gender pay gap within the industry to ensure that women have equal earning potential and opportunities.
• Promoting diversity and inclusion within the workplace, including the representation of women in leadership positions.
• Investing in education and training to raise awareness of the unique health needs of women and the importance of addressing gender biases in healthcare.

The disparities and inequalities faced by women in healthcare are unacceptable and must be addressed. By acknowledging the problem, promoting women in leadership positions, and investing in education and training, we can work towards a more equitable and inclusive healthcare system for women.

#ValueofDiagnostics #WomensHealth #GenderEquality #GenderEquity #XProject 

Sources:

• https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cardiovascular-diseases-(cvds)  
• https://www.weforum.org/reports/the-global-gender-gap-report-2021