Women’s Health and FemTech – How Do We Empower Women and Reduce Gender Bias using Digital, Data and Technology?

The intersection of women's health and technology has seen rapid growth in recent years, with a particular focus on addressing gender bias and improving health outcomes. The session titled "Women’s Health and FemTech – How Do We Empower Women and Reduce Gender Bias using Digital, Data, and Technology" at HETT Show highlighted these emerging trends. Discussions centered around how digital tools, data, and technology can tackle systemic issues and promote more equitable healthcare for women. 

The Need for a Focused Women’s Health Strategy 

A key theme that emerged from the session was the need for a comprehensive women’s health strategy. Historically, women's health has often been overlooked, underfunded, and fragmented in terms of care and research. Panelists pointed out that there have been some successful interventions such as women’s health hubs, but much more remains to be done. One of the primary challenges continues to be the disparities in health outcomes between women of different ethnicities and socioeconomic backgrounds. For example, Black, Asian, and ethnic minority women face worse health outcomes compared to their white counterparts. Similarly, women from economically disadvantaged backgrounds experience poorer health outcomes compared to those from affluent areas. 

Addressing these disparities through technology is seen as an exciting opportunity. The panel underscored that using digital platforms, data, and artificial intelligence (AI) in a responsible and ethical way could help bridge these gaps. However, the speakers also emphasised that these innovations must be developed thoughtfully to avoid reinforcing existing inequalities. Without proper safeguards, the use of AI and data could exacerbate gender, racial, and socioeconomic biases instead of eliminating them. 

The Rise of FemTech and the Ethical Challenges 

One positive development highlighted during the session is the growing FemTech sector. FemTech refers to the category of software, diagnostics, products, and services that use technology to improve women’s health. The rise of FemTech has already brought forward several important innovations, such as apps for menstrual health, pregnancy tracking, and other women-specific health needs. However, with the rapid expansion of this sector, there is also a pressing need for ethical considerations in the use of these technologies. 

One of the concerns voiced by the panelists was the potential exploitation of women’s health data by companies. Many FemTech apps collect vast amounts of personal data, including menstrual cycles, reproductive health, and even sexual activity. There have been instances where this data has been shared with third parties without the explicit consent of users, as seen in recent lawsuits involving well-known apps like Flo Health. Flo was accused of sharing sensitive data about women’s sex lives with platforms such as Facebook. 

This kind of data misuse raises significant privacy concerns and highlights the need for more transparent data policies. One of the panelists argued that data should belong to women, and they should have full control over how and whether it is shared. Creating secure platforms where women’s health data is stored locally rather than on cloud servers could be one solution. 

Funding and Access to FemTech Solutions 

While the FemTech sector is booming, there are still challenges related to funding and accessibility. Venture capital (VC) funding is pouring into this space, with companies like Natural Cycles and Flo Health receiving millions in investments. However, this funding often goes toward developing gadgets and apps that cater to a small, affluent percentage of the population. Many FemTech solutions are locked behind paywalls that make them inaccessible to the majority of women, particularly those from low-income backgrounds. 

The panelists pointed out the irony of this situation: while investors profit from the development of these technologies, a large proportion of women are left without access to basic health services and tools. There is a need for more inclusive innovation that provides affordable solutions for women from all socioeconomic backgrounds. One suggestion was to create open-source or non-profit models where women can access essential health tools without financial barriers. Some startups are already working toward this by offering free apps focused on menstrual health and other areas of women’s health, particularly targeting vulnerable populations. 

The Role of Education in Closing the Data Gap 

Education emerged as a critical component in empowering women to take control of their health and address the data gap. The panelists highlighted the importance of educating women from a young age about their bodies, menstrual cycles, and reproductive health. This could be achieved through integrating comprehensive health education into school curriculums and using digital platforms to reach a wider audience. 

In addition to general health education, it’s essential to inform women about the data they generate and how it is used. Women need to understand their rights when it comes to health data and be given the tools to make informed decisions about sharing it. Without this knowledge, women may inadvertently contribute to systems that perpetuate bias, or worse, have their personal data misused. 

A Path Forward: Ethical and Inclusive Innovation 

The session concluded with a call to action for FemTech innovators to prioritise ethics, safety, and inclusivity. The future of women’s health technology is promising, but only if the right principles are followed. Innovators need to ensure that products are developed with women’s input and that they cater to a broad spectrum of users, not just a privileged few. Data privacy should be at the forefront of every FemTech solution, and there should be no compromise when it comes to women’s control over their own health data. 

Moreover, there is a need for a global approach to women’s health. While some regions are making progress, many parts of the world still lack access to basic health services and technologies. By leveraging digital tools and ensuring fair distribution of resources, we can work toward a more equitable future where every woman, regardless of her background, has access to the care she needs. 

In summary, the use of digital, data, and technology presents a powerful opportunity to address gender bias and improve women's health. However, this potential can only be realised if we ensure that innovations are inclusive, ethical, and centered around the needs of all women. Through continued collaboration, education, and responsible innovation, the FemTech industry can play a pivotal role in reshaping women’s health for the better. 

Learn More at HETT North in February