Women’s health has long been a topic of discussion, but the conversation is shifting towards a more comprehensive understanding of the issues at hand. According to the 2025 State of Women’s Health report by Accenture and Springboard Enterprises, women’s health encompasses conditions that affect women exclusively, differently, and disproportionately. This includes a wide range of issues such as endometriosis, menopause, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s.
Despite women’s biological advantages and healthier behaviors, they often face poorer health outcomes compared to men. This disparity is attributed to structural and systemic issues within the healthcare system. Outdated definitions, insufficient research, and uneven funding allocation contribute to the ongoing health gap between men and women.
One of the key challenges in addressing women’s health is the funding gap. In 2024, only 6% of venture capital investments in health tech went towards femtech, while just 8% of research grants from the National Institutes of Health were directed towards women’s health. This lack of funding hinders innovation and research in areas that specifically impact women’s health.
To bridge this gap, a realignment of investment priorities is necessary. Private, public, and philanthropic sectors need to recognize the full spectrum of women’s health and allocate resources accordingly. This includes funding at every stage of research and development, from academic studies to market access.
The misconception that women’s health is synonymous with reproductive health has led to underinvestment in other critical areas. Conditions like autoimmune disease, cardiovascular disease, and cognitive decline, which affect women differently, are often overlooked in research and funding allocation. This narrow focus limits innovation and hinders progress in improving women’s health outcomes.
Closing the funding gap in women’s health not only addresses a social imperative but also presents a significant economic opportunity. A McKinsey report estimates that closing the women’s health gap could add $1 trillion to the global economy by 2040 through increased productivity and reduced healthcare costs.
Investment in women’s health is growing, with a particular focus on conditions like menopause, cardiovascular health, and autoimmune diseases. However, there is still a need for more funding in critical areas such as cognitive health and postmenopausal aging. By expanding the scope of women’s health and investing in research and innovation, we can unlock economic and health benefits that extend beyond women to benefit society as a whole.
It is time for funders to reevaluate their priorities and recognize that women’s health is not just a women’s issue—it is a societal issue that impacts everyone. By redefining women’s health and investing in comprehensive research and innovation, we can create a healthier future for all.
