A sobering perspective for International Women’s Day.
Text: Anna Pawlowicz Pics: International Women's Day
International Women’s Day celebrates women's social, political, cultural, and professional achievements. Yet, equal attention must be given to the fact that gender equality still has a long road ahead.
This Women’s Day, as you celebrate the women in your life, consider this chilling fact: Women are at a greater risk of acquiring a disability or a serious health condition in their lifetime compared to men.
The source of the risk lies in gender bias in healthcare, which can be shown in multiple ways. Given that this risk concerns 50% of the human population, let’s explore its nature and equip ourselves with knowledge that will help reduce that risk for current and future generations of women.
What are the symptoms of gender bias in healthcare?
Gender bias in healthcare can present itself in various forms:
♀ Girls are far less likely to be diagnosed with autism than boys because the diagnosis process is tailored to male patients. The CDC in the US reports that autism is nearly four times more common in boys than in girls, but research suggests the disparity is due to diagnostic gender bias.
♀ Medical professionals are more likely to dismiss women patients as too sensitive, even if they experience pain. A recent study found that women experiencing severe abdominal pain waited almost 33% longer than men with similar symptoms to receive treatment in a hospital emergency room.
♀ Women are less likely to receive appropriate treatment for heart attacks because doctors use diagnostic criteria geared towards men. In fact, data shows that women are 50% more likely to be misdiagnosed with a heart attack compared to men. A woman experiencing chest pain may be dismissed as having anxiety when, in fact, she is having a heart attack. This delay can lead to severe outcomes, including heart damage or even death.
"On an individual level, women have the power to advocate for themselves by being proactive about their health concerns."
How does gender bias in healthcare impact women’s lives?
The consequences of gender bias in healthcare are far-reaching, and they impact every area of women’s lives.
Their physical well-being can be severely affected when women are left to suffer more intensely from untreated conditions.
If chronic conditions develop, the impact on professional life is just as great. Women may become less able to participate in the workforce, leading to missed opportunities for promotions or career advancements.
Family life suffers, too. Women are more likely to take on caregiving responsibilities for both children and elderly relatives. When gender bias in healthcare leaves them in poor health, it limits their ability to fulfil these roles, and it affects their financial well-being due to a possible loss of income.
Lastly, women’s mental health is affected, too. Constant dismissals of health concerns can lead to anxiety, depression, and a loss of faith in the healthcare system, which may, in turn, result in women avoiding necessary care.
The consequences of this vicious circle of gender inequality do not only affect women but also everyone in their lives – their partners, children, parents, friends, and colleagues. It’s important to understand what role we all can play in challenging the bias to help current and future generations of women.
What steps can we take to challenge gender bias in healthcare?
Challenging gender bias in healthcare requires several actions.
To tackle systemic issues, we must first ensure education for healthcare professionals on gender differences in symptoms and pain perception. This can help shift biases toward a more accurate understanding of women's health.
Medical research also plays a critical role. Prioritising gender-diverse studies can provide data on how diseases manifest and affect women differently, leading to better treatment and diagnostic tools tailored to women’s needs.
On an individual level, women have the power to advocate for themselves by being proactive about their health concerns. If dismissed or misdiagnosed, they can request second opinions, insist on further tests, and remember that they don’t need to take ‘No’ for an answer.
Lastly, we all can take an active role in challenging bias. If a medical professional dismisses a woman you know, you can offer emotional support and encourage her to seek a second opinion or push for further investigation. You can also help her navigate the healthcare system by researching treatment options and accompanying her to appointments. By standing alongside her, you show that her health matters and that you’re actively working to challenge the stigma and stereotypes. This International Women’s Day, let’s consider the unseen risks related to women’s health. While we learn to play our role in fighting bias, let’s remember to empower girls and young women with the knowledge that their health concerns are valid.
Our team at The International wishes you a happy and healthy International Women’s Day.