Did you know that women are often underrepresented in clinical research?
For decades, women have been underrepresented in clinical research, despite making up half the population. This gap means that treatments, dosages and medical insights are often based on data that doesn’t fully reflect how diseases affect women.
The result? Less precise care, overlooked symptoms and a healthcare system that doesn’t serve everyone equally.
It’s time to change that. By increasing female participation in clinical sudies, we can drive more accurate research, safer treatments, and better health outcomes for all.
Because women deserve to be represented in medicine
1%
In 2020, only 5% of all global R&D spending went to women's health research and just 1% of that covered non-cancer conditions like endometriosis, menopause and autoimmune disease
Endometriosis
7–10 yrs
Average time to diagnosis. 58% of women visited a doctor more than 10 times before being diagnosed. 10% of women of childbearing age are affected globally.
Why participate in health studies?
Why are women underrepresented in clinical studies?
1.
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A Historical Gap
Women have historically been excluded from clinical studies due to concerns about hormonal variability and potential risks during pregnancy. While these precautions were intended to protect, they led to a long-standing gap in research data.
2.
Barriers that still remain
Even today, barriers remain. Women often face practical challenges such as caregiving responsibilities, limited time and lack of access to study locations. In some cases, eligibility criteria are still not designed with women’s health factors in mind.
The trust gap
There’s also a trust gap. Past medical biases and a lack of representation in research can make women less likely to participate or feel that studies truly reflect their needs.
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Designing research for everyone
Addressing these issues is essential. By designing more inclusive studies and improving access and awareness, clinical research can better represent everyone and ultimately lead to safer, more effective treatments for all.