The Time Is Now for Women and Girls in STEM | Opinion – Newsweek

Report on Advancing Women’s Health Through Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Introduction

Women’s health remains critically at risk globally, a situation that reflects persistent gender disparities in healthcare research, funding, and decision-making. This report highlights the urgent need to address these gaps in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

Current Challenges in Women’s Health

• Underrepresentation in Research and Funding: Women have historically been excluded from health research and leadership roles, resulting in insufficient attention to female-specific health conditions.
• Funding Disparities: According to the World Economic Forum, only 1% of innovation and research funding outside oncology in 2020 was allocated to female-specific conditions.
• Dismissal of Women’s Health Concerns: A 2022 Kaiser Family Fund Women’s Health Survey revealed that 29% of women felt their concerns were dismissed by healthcare providers, 15% were not believed, and 13% were blamed personally for their symptoms.

Emphasizing SDGs in Addressing Women’s Health

1. Raising Awareness and Breaking Taboos (SDG 3, SDG 5)

Women spend over one-third of their lives experiencing menopause, yet treatment rates remain low due to stigma and lack of research. The economic impact is significant, with the U.S. economy losing approximately $1.8 billion annually in lost work time and $26.6 billion including medical costs (Mayo Clinic).

Similarly, reproductive health challenges such as miscarriage and infertility affect many women but remain under-discussed. Increased public discourse, supported by advocacy from public figures and companies like Alloy, Joylux, and Maven Clinic, is helping to normalize these conversations.

2. Holistic Longevity and Well-being (SDG 3, SDG 10)

Longevity is evolving beyond traditional healthcare to include holistic well-being, self-perception, and mental health. Women, who generally have longer life expectancies, are more receptive to holistic and alternative treatments.

1. Research such as Merz Aesthetics’ “Pillars of Confidence” study shows 74% of adults link confidence to overall well-being.
2. Innovations in regenerative aesthetics, neurotechnology, and biohacking are advancing quality of life improvements.

3. Empowering Women in STEM and Healthcare Leadership (SDG 5, SDG 8, SDG 10)

Gender equality in STEM fields is vital for transforming women’s health outcomes. Although women represent half of medical school students, they constitute only one-third of practicing physicians and face a significant pay gap—estimated at $2 million less over a 40-year career compared to men.

Evidence indicates that patients treated by female doctors experience better outcomes, including lower mortality and hospital readmission rates.

• Supporting organizations such as the American Medical Women’s Association and Women in Medicine is critical.
• Advocating for pay transparency and policy reforms can help close gender gaps.
• Encouraging girls to pursue STEM careers will build future leadership and innovation capacity.

Recommendations for Action

1. Increase Funding and Research: Allocate more resources to female-specific health conditions to close the research gap.
2. Normalize Women’s Health Conversations: Promote public awareness campaigns and support platforms that encourage open dialogue about menopause, reproductive health, and other taboo subjects.
3. Adopt Holistic Health Approaches: Integrate mental, emotional, and physical health strategies into longevity and wellness programs.
4. Promote Gender Equality in Healthcare Professions: Implement policies to reduce pay disparities and increase women’s representation in leadership roles.
5. Support STEM Education for Women: Invest in educational initiatives and mentorship programs to empower women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Conclusion

Addressing the systemic challenges in women’s health is essential for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals related to health, gender equality, and reduced inequalities. By amplifying women’s voices, increasing funding, adopting holistic health models, and empowering women in STEM, society can close the gaps that jeopardize women’s well-being and foster a healthier, more equitable future.

Image Reference

Author

Terri L. Phillips, MD, FAAP, Chief Medical Affairs Officer at Merz Aesthetics.

Note: The views expressed in this report are those of the author.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected to the Issues Highlighted in the Article

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article focuses extensively on women’s health issues, including underrepresentation in research, lack of funding, and specific health challenges such as menopause, miscarriage, and fertility treatments.
   • It highlights the need for improved healthcare services and research funding for female-specific conditions.
2. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • The article discusses gender disparities in healthcare research funding and treatment.
   • It emphasizes the importance of women’s leadership and representation in health decision-making and STEM fields.
   • It addresses pay gaps and underrepresentation of women physicians.
3. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • The article advocates for empowering more women in STEM education and careers, encouraging girls to pursue these fields.
4. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • It mentions economic implications of untreated menopausal symptoms and the pay gap between male and female physicians.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified Based on the Article’s Content

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.4: Reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment, and promote mental health and well-being.
   • Target 3.7: Ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health-care services, including for family planning, information, and education.
   • Target 3.b: Support the research and development of vaccines and medicines for the communicable and non-communicable diseases that primarily affect women.
2. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • Target 5.1: End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere.
   • Target 5.5: Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic, and public life.
   • Target 5.a: Undertake reforms to give women equal rights to economic resources, including equal pay.
3. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • Target 4.3: Ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational and tertiary education, including university.
4. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Target 8.5: Achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including equal pay for work of equal value.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article to Measure Progress Towards the Identified Targets

1. SDG 3 Indicators
   • Proportion of total health research funding allocated to female-specific conditions (implied by the 1% funding statistic).
   • Percentage of women reporting dismissal or disbelief by healthcare providers (e.g., 29% dismissed concerns, 15% not believed).
   • Rates of miscarriage and fertility treatment needs (e.g., 1 in 4 pregnancies end in miscarriage, 1 in 8 women need fertility treatment).
   • Economic cost of untreated menopausal symptoms (e.g., $1.8 billion lost work time, $26.6 billion total costs).
2. SDG 5 Indicators
   • Proportion of women in leadership and decision-making roles in healthcare and STEM fields.
   • Gender pay gap in medical professions (e.g., women earning $2 million less over a 40-year career).
   • Representation of women among practicing physicians (one-third) and medical students (half).
3. SDG 4 Indicators
   • Enrollment and retention rates of women in STEM education and careers.
4. SDG 8 Indicators
   • Pay equity statistics between male and female physicians.
   • Economic impact of health-related work absences among women.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: newsweek.com