UNLEASH Hack London: Gender Health Equity
Author: Lissy Bäumler, Organizing Team Member of the UNLEASH Hack.
Women make up 50% of the global population. However, only 43% of clinical trials reported sex and ethnicity data between 2000-2020, and 96% of drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration in the US (FDA) have a significantly higher adverse drug reaction on women.
In the United Kingdom, the current healthcare system, despite its many strengths, still grapples with a persistent gender gap that disproportionately affects women, with the UK having the largest gender health gap of all the G20 countries and ranking 12th in the world. From longer wait times for diagnoses to inadequate research on women’s health issues, the disparities are stark and concerning. Addressing gender health equity in the United Kingdom is a crucial for an equitable society. For instance, women are 50% more likely than men to receive a wrong diagnosis after a heart attack, leading to a 70% higher risk of death after 30 days. Due to systemic barriers, women often face unique challenges in accessing quality healthcare, including reproductive services and treatment for conditions like endometriosis. On average, women live longer than men but spend more of their life in poor health, often limiting their ability to work. As we strive for a more equitable society, it’s crucial to address these imbalances and ensure that health services are equally accessible and effective for women.
UNLEASH Hack London focused on “Gender Health Equity in the UK”. Teams delved into innovative solutions using human-centered design and exploring ways in which we can bridge this gap and, ultimately, create a healthcare system that truly serves all, aligning with SDG 3 (Good Helath and Well-Being) and SDG 5 (Gender Equality).
We co-hosted the program with the Royal College of Art, London, and were able to bring together 30+ participants from across the UK. Speakers and Judges from across women healthcare and design industries joined us and filled the room with inspiration. From engaging discussions to impactful pitches, the 2 days were truly transformative.
The winning project tackled how “cities are often designed with equality in mind, but not equity, which can negatively effect women’s health”. The solution focused on women with urgent toiletry needs to gain easier access to appropriate facilities, in turn improving women’s mental, physical and reproductive health. – Congrats to the winning team!!!
Thank you to UNLEASH and the global community for an unforgettable journey of collaboration and impact.
