We Drive Equity in Policy and Investment in Women’s Health Research
The inequity in health research is systemic. It can be seen in the differences in funding for women’s health projects, in publications of women’s health topics, and in research methodologies that exclude women. Through our advocacy, we challenge these systemic barriers and push for policies that prioritize women’s health at all levels. Our work aims to create lasting change, ensuring that health research leads to better health for everyone. Explore how we’re driving this change and join us in advancing equity in women’s health research.
Our Advocacy Priorities
More Funding for Women’s Health Research
Women’s health research is significantly underfunded in Canada and globally. Our research found that less than 6% of health research funded by CIHR between 2009-2020 investigated female-specific outcomes. Yet, according to the World Economic Forum, investing in women’s health could actually save $1 trillion annually.
We raise awareness about funding inequities and work with decision makers to prioritize dedicated funding for women’s health research to save lives and reduce the burden women carry for so many diseases.
Stronger Mandates to Ensure Sex and Gender are Incorporated into Health Research
Inequities in women’s health result from the lack of consideration of women in research. While federal funding agencies in the US and Canada require the inclusion of sex and gender in studies, this has not been well implemented. In fact, we found that 92% of CIHR-funded health research projects from 2009-2020 ignored sex and gender considerations altogether.
We raise awareness about the underrepresentation of women in health research and collaborate with decision-makers to strengthen policies that integrate sex and gender considerations across all health research.
Improve Sex and Gender Reporting
Despite clear guidelines, like the SAGER recommendations, the vast majority of academic journals fail to consistently report sex and gender in health research. Our analysis shows that less than 10% of journals have fully implemented these practices, leaving a critical void in understanding the profound differences sex and gender have on health outcomes. This oversight perpetuates inequities in healthcare, and undermines the development of more effective and inclusive solutions.
We advocate for stronger journal policies that mandate effective integration of sex and gender into research reporting, driving forward a more equitable and impactful approach to health research.
Our Work
Academic Articles
- 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
- 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
- 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
- Prioritizing women’s health will improve health for all (2024, House of Commons Health Committee Study Policy Brief)
You Can Help
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