A roundtable discussion: enhancing women’s health through digital tools  and transformation 

Published

By Anna Cabane, Manager, Client Experience, Healthcare and Berlin International Healthcare Team

 

We hosted a roundtable discussion with experts across healthcare industries, the role of digitalisation and the importance of research. Women’s health still faces huge gaps in research, funding and innovations. Data shows that, on average, women spend 25% more time in poor health than men1. Women also make up less than 30% of phase I clinical trial participants2. This lack of representation leaves critical gaps in understanding women’s unique health needs, resulting in misdiagnoses and unsafe treatments1.

It is now more important than ever to find solutions. Among them, the rise of MedTech and digital health tools are transforming healthcare delivery. Telemedicine, mobile health apps, and wearable devices are being increasingly used to manage conditions, monitor health, and improve access to care5. To play an active part in this, we brought experts from different fields together and hosted a roundtable discussion on the current state of women’s health and what is needed for the future.

 

Ida Tin, FemTech pioneer and co-founder of Clue, joined us to help explore the role of digitalization at the core of driving innovation and gender equality in an intimate setting, with participants from different backgrounds, including MedTech, pharmaceutical industry and advocacy. Different topics were raised:

 

  • The role of digital tools and telemedicine in women’s healthcare

We discussed how digital solutions, including apps, remote consultations, and health tracking platforms, can serve as valuable extensions of healthcare professionals. Triaging symptoms early, offering personalised support, and bridging critical gaps in women’s care, especially in geographies where access and resources are limited, these tools have a significant impact. The conversation highlighted these technologies can empower and foster inclusivity for both patients and providers alike.

 

  • Artificial intelligence in FemTech, innovation with awareness

We explored how AI is being used to push the boundaries of FemTech innovation, from cycle tracking to diagnostic support. But just as importantly, we addressed the need to recognize and mitigate the inherent gender biases that often exist in the data powering these tools, for example, no data from menstrual blood is available. The group emphasised the importance building AI responsibly, with transparency, inclusivity, and clinical relevance.

 

  • Challenging cultural narratives

The discussion turned toward how cultural norms, and societal expectations can still constrain conversations and progress around women’s health. Particularly, when trying to get funding for innovations in FemTech, where there remains a persistent gap, partly caused by these societal norms and lack of awareness. We looked at how fostering personal skills, both as individuals and as professionals in the space, can help shift these dynamics and increase funding options in FemTech. By creating more space for women to speak, lead, and innovate, we pave the way for more inclusive solutions and healthier outcomes.

 

At The Weber Shandwick Collective: Women’s Health, we are committed to moving women to the heart of health and playing an active role in building healthier futures for all women. In 2023, we initiated the cross-agency offer with the focus on women’s health, aiming to close the gender gap in health communications and making progress towards women’s health equity. With initiatives grounded in research and insights, we have developed the unique research platform: The Women’s Health Indicator. Crafted by our data analysts and behavioral experts, the indicator pinpoints gaps in women’s health and provides valuable insights into how critical diagnoses impact women including, Alzheimer’s Disease, immune diseases and cardiovascular disease.

 

Despite significant advances, there is still a long way to go, and it is people like Ida Tin that help drive progress. At TWSC we are committed to moving women to the heart of health and playing an active role in building healthier futures for all women.  As we look ahead to 2025 and our future communication efforts, we aim to ensure all voices are heard.

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References

  1. World Economic Forum; McKinsey Health Institute. Closing the women’s health gap: A $1 trillion opportunity to improve lives and economies. Published 2024.
  2. Waltz, M., A. D. Lyerly, and J. A. Fisher, “ Exclusion of Women from Phase I Trials: Perspectives from Investigators and Research Oversight Officials,” Ethics & Human Research45, no. 6 (2023): 19-30. DOI: 1002/eahr.500170
  3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Diabetes and Women. Updated March 11, 2024. Accessed June 10, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/risk-factors/diabetes-and-women-1.html
  4. Data on file.
  5. World Health Organization. The Role of Digital Health Technologies in Women’s Health, Empowerment, and Gender Equality: Project Report. WHO/EURO:2024-9293-49065-73153. Published 2024.