Gender inequality in healthcare remains a persistent issue, with significant gaps in research and treatment for conditions unique to women. For example, 70% of those affected by chronic pain are women, yet 80% of pain research is conducted on men. Studies show that diseases affecting men often receive disproportionate attention, leaving women’s health issues underfunded and under-researched. Progress has been slow due to insufficient funding and a history of male-centric medical research.
I recall many visits to my GP, seeking answers to health concerns. Despite efforts to advocate for myself, I often felt misunderstood, not heard and sometimes dismissed. At times, my questions seemed inconvenient, even when I asked if there was perhaps a GP specializing in women's health at my local practice. Often I left feeling upset, frustrated and helpless, with my needs unmet.
However, these experiences have led me to connect more deeply with my female clients, many of whom bring difficult and upsetting experiences and similar frustrations to our sessions. Their unmet health needs, often dismissed by healthcare professionals, have a profound impact on their mental and emotional well-being.
Although progress has been made towards equality in medicine, medical education still largely centers on the male body, leaving women’s health issues underexplored. Conditions such as menstrual health, maternal health, and those that present differently in women - such as ADHD, autism and heart attacks - remain areas of insufficient research and care. These gaps lead to preventable health outcome disparities and as a result negatively affect women's mental health and overall quality of life.
The gender health gap is not a new issue. Apparently, the UK has the largest female health gap in the G20 and the 12th largest globally. The Mental Health Foundation highlights that social and economic factors may place women at a higher risk of poor mental health than men. Worldwide women continue to be more likely to report negative emotions, with 20% more women than men to report experiencing sadness daily.
Drawing on various case studies and research from around the world, Caroline Criado Perez discusses in her book ‘Invisible Women: Exposing Data Bias in a World Designed for Men’ how women are often treated unequally. She argues that healthcare systems systematically discriminate against women, causing them to be consistently misunderstood, misdiagnosed and mistreated.
My female clients often share feeling vulnerable, exposed, misunderstood, not heard or taken seriously when seeking help for issues like endometriosis, migraines, ADHD, hormonal changes, or loss of libido. They describe being met with skepticism, lack of empathy, and at times, being mentally gaslit or being misdiagnosed. This not only damages trust in healthcare professionals, but can also lead to feelings of shame, frustration, anger, hopelessness and isolation. Women don't want to be labeled as hysterical, dramatic or overly emotional when discussing health issues, whether it’s about their periods, hormones, or infertility.
Prevention has also historically been overlooked in women’s health issues in comparison to intervention-based services. There are disparities and key gaps in healthcare policies and systems. For example, colonoscopies are considered routine check-ups for men of a certain age to prevent and reduce the risk of developing colon cancer, but similar proactive measures for women are often lacking, varying by country. Women’s heart attacks present differently than men’s, and more women die from strokes than men of the same age. Addressing these gaps can empower women to take charge of their health and feel more comfortable seeking help.
Addressing gender inequality in healthcare requires systemic changes across all sectors, including the health industry, government and private sector, potentially resulting in enabling better care for women worldwide. Increased funding for clinical studies that include women and a focus on gender bias in research are crucial in order to obtain better female-comprehensive results. Closing the women’s health gap is a necessary one, as this gender bias leaves women at risk, because there is a considerable gap in understanding the female body and its unique needs.
Furthermore, addressing gender health equality also requires confronting broader societal issues, such as ageism, sexism, racism, classism and other forms of identity. We need to embrace women of all cultures, colours and ages, in all their entirety, meeting them in their (unmet) needs. And it’s about developing a more open and free language away from shame by fostering a culture where women feel seen and heard, a place that feels freeing and accepting and normal. You know your body - when something doesn’t feel right, you deserve help from someone who believes you.
As a therapist and counsellor, I specialise in women’s mental health to provide dedicated support for women and contribute to efforts aimed at closing the gender gap. By doing so, I can create an environment where women from all backgrounds - particularly those who are underrepresented or marginalized - can feel safe, supported, and empowered. This therapeutic relationship fosters trust and is free of judgement. I recognize and acknowledge the unique social, cultural, and economic factors that can impact women’s mental health. I strive to offer a space where women can process their experiences, while also empowering them to advocate for themselves. It is about listening deeply and validating the lived experiences of my female clients, especially those who have faced systemic discrimination or marginalization, without minimizing or dismissing their struggles. I also believe in taking a holistic approach, understanding the interconnectedness of mental, emotional, physical, and social well-being in treating women’s mental health. I emphasize the importance of self-care, stress management, and mindfulness techniques as essential tools for overall well-being.
Only by putting our shame aside, sharing our experiences, and advocating for ourselves in all healthcare settings can we address and hope to overcome these issues of inequality and create a future where women’s health is more prioritized and respected - because women deserve to have their health needs met.
