Decoding Femtech: Shedding Light on Women’s Health Research

Sarah Nurgat
March 5, 2024

Scrutinising Femtech

In the first part of our ThoughtSpark report series, we delve into the current state of women’s health research, exploring funding distribution, the emergence of femtech, and the importance of maintaining accountability in female care.

In recent years, there has been a surge of interest and investment in femtech – technology aiming to address the historical neglect of women’s healthcare and provide tailored solutions to women’s unique health needs. However, in this evolving field, it’s crucial to maintain a critical perspective and scrutinise the landscape of women’s health research objectively.

A balanced perspective on research distribution

To make real progress, it’s essential to question assumptions on women’s health and base conclusions on comprehensive, evidence-based research. Assessing research distribution requires a nuanced approached and more than just looking at the volume of papers or amount of funding dedicated to women’s health.

Simply quantifying studies or funding fails to capture the true burden of diseases affecting women. By adopting a holistic view that considers prevalence, impact, and the intersectionality of health conditions, we can ensure that research efforts are effectively targeted, and resources are allocated where they are most needed.

Upholding accountability in female care

The emergence of femtech represents a promising step forward in addressing women’s health needs – encompassing a wide array of digital tools aimed at addressing women’s health concerns. However, while the growth of femtech brings exciting opportunities, it also raises ethical concerns. There is a risk of exploitation if companies prioritise profit over genuine improvements in women’s health outcomes. By holding femtech companies accountable for the integrity of their products, we can ensure that technology serves as a tool for empowerment rather than exploitation.

Moving forward, it’s imperative to build upon momentum in women’s health research. This includes addressing the historical underrepresentation of women in clinical studies and ensuring that funding is allocated based on disease burden. Stakeholders across the healthcare industry must prioritise transparency and accountability to drive meaningful progress in women’s health research.

Get your copy of our report here.