The scientific world often leaves women out of the equation. When it comes to medicine, women’s health and bodies are rarely considered. And when it comes to basic statistics around the inclusion of women, there are still many research gaps. From the fact that women occupy less space in STEM to the fact that women are less likely to be diagnosed with autism because of the lack of research. There is a lot to know.
Here take a look:
1. Women are less credited in fields such as STEM.
I know, I know. Where aren’t women credited less than they actually deserve, right? But if it weren’t for women in STEM, we wouldn’t have half as many advancements in space technology, automobile design and computer science. Yet, even in 2023, women are credited significantly less than men in the field.
2. Autism is less likely to be detected in women.
Often, women go undiagnosed when it comes to autism because many women don’t fit the model that helps doctors recognise the symptoms. Simply put, autism shows up differently in women and men. And since men have been studied more for the disorder, it’s hard to recognise it in women.
3. Women need more sleep than men.
Not only does sleep quality and amount have a direct impact on women’s hormones. However, it seems that women are 40% more likely to develop insomnia and even more likely to have sleep disorders such as sleep apnea.
4. Women are usually at a greater risk for auto-immune diseases.
Most of the time, auto-immune diseases are caused by hormonal issues. According to a study, they’re currently the fifth-leading cause of death in women younger than 65. Sex hormones such as estrogen and pregnancy-related hormones such as progesterone have a drastic effect on immunity and both these hormones’ imbalances have been proven to have a critical impact on women’s health.
5. Women often under-consume protein.
Protein is essential for helping women balance their hormones, which protects them from auto-immune diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and heart attacks. Most Indian women consume 13% less protein than men. So one can imagine the importance of closing that deficiency gap.
6. Women are more likely to be described negatively during performance reviews.
Women are at a greater risk of being called bossy and abrasive at work while maintaining a similar assertiveness to their male counterparts. Hence, they’re more likely to be described negatively in performance reviews.
7. Medical misogyny has led to women being gaslit about their long COVID symptoms.
Most women are familiar with being gaslit by doctors. We’re constantly told that we’re overthinking and reading far too much into the symptoms we’re experiencing. So, it’s not surprising that this study says that middle-aged women experience medical gaslighting about their long COVID symptoms. They’re usually told that it’s anxiety and not long COVID.
We’re still very far behind when it comes to the many gaps in gender justice. From healthcare, to professional spaces, we have a long way to go until we achieve equity.
