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Takeaways from the Women in Data Flagship Conference

Chrystalla and Liz had the pleasure of recently attending the Women in Data flagship conference. Having had the opportunity to reflect, Chrystalla has kindly summarised her takeaways with us.

"The Women in Data flagship conference this year proved to be yet another success, offering a diverse array of data-driven subjects and featuring inspiring role models sharing their stories. Amidst the wealth of information, my main takeaway centred on the persistent gender inequalities in healthcare. A standout revelation underscored the startling statistic that merely 1% of healthcare research and innovation is directed towards female-specific health conditions. Furthermore, discussions shed light on the pressing need for a paradigm shift in policing approaches to crimes against women, a change urgently necessitated by the absence of comprehensive data. These insights serve as powerful reminders of the work that still needs to be done to achieve gender equity in healthcare and beyond.

The stark underrepresentation of female-specific health issues in research and innovation highlights a systemic neglect of women's healthcare needs. This oversight not only perpetuates existing gender disparities in healthcare but also poses significant risks to women's well-being. Moreover, the absence of robust data on crimes against women impedes efforts to reform policing methods and address gender-based violence effectively.

In response to these pressing concerns, conference attendees were encouraged to recognise their collective responsibility in advocating for change. It was emphasised that understanding the impact of hormonal fluctuations on mental health, including experiences such as contraceptive use and menopausal transition, is essential. Often, individuals must piece together these insights independently, or recognise them in their loved ones, as proactive support from the healthcare system may be lacking. Furthermore, attendees were urged to consider contributing to initiatives aimed at promoting change by donating their data. Through such actions, individuals can actively participate in efforts to address gender disparities in healthcare and support endeavours to reform policing methods to better serve women.

In conclusion, having had the privilege of attending this year's Women in Data flagship conference, I felt compelled to share these vital insights with you. Additionally, I felt the need to share some of the beneficial resources that were discussed at the event. These can serve as an initial step towards better self-awareness, understanding change in your loved ones and laying the groundwork for meaningful impact."

Related Materials:

https://womenindata.co.uk/womens-health/

https://thelowdown.com/

https://www.balance-menopause.com/balance-app/

https://www.drlouisenewson.co.uk/

https://www.channel4.com/programmes/davina-mccall-sex-myths-and-the-menopause

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