Driving Change in Women’s Health Research, Policy and Practice
Inequity in health research is systemic and deeply entrenched. Women’s health remains chronically underfunded and under-published because of research methodologies that exclude women. As a result, women experience health and disease differently (in how conditions manifest and respond to treatment), disproportionately (in the burden of illness and access to care), and uniquely (through biological and life-stage experiences such as menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause).
These inequities leave critical gaps in health knowledge, care, and outcomes. The Women’s Health Research Cluster is driving change to close these gaps and advance equity in health for all.
Our Advocacy Priorities
Advocate for More Funding for Women’s Health Research
Women’s health research is critically underfunded in Canada and globally. Our research found that less than 7% of health research funded by Canadian Institute of Health Research (CIHR) between 2009-2023 investigated female-specific outcomes. Yet, according to the World Economic Forum, investing in women’s health could actually save $1 trillion annually.
Strengthen Adherence to Sex and Gender Mandates in Health Research
Inequities in women’s health stem from the lack of consideration of women in research. We found that 92% of CIHR-funded health research projects ignored sex and gender considerations altogether. This suggests that although federal funding agencies in the US and Canada require the inclusion of sex and gender in studies, this has not been well implemented.
Improve Sex and Gender Reporting in Health Research
Majority of academic journals fail to report sex and gender in health research despite clear guidelines. Less than 10% of journals have fully implemented these practices, leaving a critical void in our understanding about how sex and gender impact health outcomes. This oversight perpetuates inequities in healthcare and undermines the development of more effective and inclusive solutions.
We conduct research on inequities in women’s health research funding, working with decision makers to prioritize dedicated funding to reduce the burden on women and save lives. We also advocate for sustained women’s health research funding and the updating of Canada’s National Women’s Health Strategy.
We raise awareness about the underrepresentation of women in health research and collaborate with decision makers to strengthen policies that integrate women, girls, and people across genders into research.
We advocate for stronger policies for scientific journal to mandate effective integration of women’s health and sex and gender into research reporting, driving an equitable and impactful approach to health research.
Our Work
Advocacy Research Led by the Women’s Health Research Cluster
- Women’s Health Research Funding in Canada across 13 years suggests low funding levels with a narrow focus (2025, Biology of Sex Differences)
- Canadian Health Research Funding Patterns for Sexual and Gender Minority Populations Reflect Exclusion of Women (2024, LGBT Health)
- Are we moving the dial? Canadian health research funding trends for women’s health, 2S/LGBTQ + health, sex, or gender considerations (2023, Biology of Sex Differences)
- An analysis of neuroscience and psychiatry papers published from 2009 and 2019 outlines opportunities for increasing discovery of sex differences (2022, Nature Communications)
Op Eds
- By Attaching Science, Poilievre Takes a Page from Trump’s Playbook (2025, The Tyee)
- Why are we not prioritizing women’s health research? (2023, Toronto Star)
- Ending the neglect of women’s health in research (2023, The BMJ)
- Fund science for healthier and safer future (2021, Vancouver Sun)
- Proper funding for women’s health research could save lives during pandemic (2020, Policy Options)
Book Chapters
Special Issues in Scientific Journals
- Hormonal contraceptives and the brain: A call for translational research (2022, Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology)
- Beyond sex differences: A spotlight on women’s brain health (2020, Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology)
Policy Briefs & Government Relations
Although the following policy briefs were written to inform Canadian federal policy, the evidence and recommendations are broadly relevant and may be adapted to other national contexts.
- Women’s Health in the 2025 Canadian Election (2025, Letter to Federal MPs)
- Investing in Women’s Health Research as a Cornerstone of National Health and Economic Resilience (2025, Submission for the Pre-Budget Consultations)
- Prioritizing women’s health will improve health for all (2024, House of Commons Health Committee Study Policy Brief)
Our Impact
International Women’s Day: UBC Day on the Hill
Published: March 8, 2021
Empowering Change: Celebrating the International Day of Action for Women’s Health
Published: May 28, 2024
4
Papers Published
3
Policy and Advocacy
Submissions
4
Parliament Hearings and
Government Engagement
Through a strategic, multi-pronged advocacy approach, the Women’s Health Research Cluster is building a national coalition to mobilize the research community and address urgent challenges facing women’s health.
What You Can Do
Advocacy matters. It drives equity, informs policy, and ensures that research and healthcare truly reflect the needs and experiences of women in Canada and around the world. Click here to learn more about how advocacy can be used as a tool for shaping policy.
See below for some ideas on how you can get involved:
Write Your Member of Parliament (MP)
Writing to your Member of Parliament (MP) or Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) is a powerful way to advocate for federal investment and accountability that will improve women’s health and strengthen our healthcare systems.
Please note that although these resources are tailored for the Canadian government, we encourage you to adapt them to other national contexts.
Getting started:
- Click here to find your MP
- To contact provincial or municipal representatives, check your province’s legislature or city council website
Remember:
- Mail can be sent postage-free to any MP at the following address:
- [Name of Member of Parliament]
- House of Commons
- Ottawa, Ontario
- Canada
- K1A 0A6
- Most MPs have direct emails or web forms linked on their Parliament profile page
- Always include your name, full address, and postal code to confirm that you are a constituent
Click here to download a template letter to send your MP
Click here to download a template letter with opportunity for a personalized perspective
Following up:
- Share your letter on social media, if applicable
- Keep track of your MP’s response and always thank them for replying
- Build a relationship with your MP – ask about future opportunities to discuss further
Amplify Your Women’s Health Work
Another way to advance women’s health research is by sharing your expertise and discoveries through various channels. We can help you highlight your work and reach new audiences through the following opportunities:
Publication Features
Have you recently published a paper on women’s health or sex- and/or gender-based research? We can work with you to transform your findings into visually engaging graphics that make your work accessible to a broad audience. Click here to submit your paper for a Publication Feature.
Write a Blog Post
We are always seeking experts to share evidence-based insights on diverse topics relating to women’s health or sex-and-gender-based research. Click here to submit a pitch for a Women’s Health Blog.
Engage or Partner With Us At A Conference
The Women’s Health Research Cluster hosts conferences and develops pre-meeting and satellite event programming that spotlights cutting-edge women’s health research. We have collaborated with the Organization for the Study of Sex Differences (OSSD), CAMH womenmind, and the Marcé of North America (MONA).
- Click here for more information on past and upcoming conferences
- Click here to read about our most recent Pre-Meeting Event at OSSD International Meeting
If you are involved in planning a conference, we would love to discuss opportunities for collaboration. Connect with us: events@womenshealthresearchcluster.com.
You Can Help
Donate today to catalyze women’s health research worldwide
