The Urgent Need for Women’s Health Research
Women’s health has long been an overlooked aspect of medical research and funding. Alarmingly, only 7 percent of national health research funding is allocated to women’s health despite women representing over half of Canada’s population. For decades, women were systematically excluded from clinical trials, meaning that many healthcare systems were developed based on male norms, which inadvertently marginalized women’s specific health needs.
The Medical, Economic, and Social Imperative
Addressing the gap in women’s health research is not just a matter of medical necessity; it is also an economic and social imperative. In Canada, women experience 24 percent more unhealthy years compared to men. This disparity has significant social consequences, affecting families and communities at large. The economic impact of investing in women’s health can be transformative. In British Columbia alone, increasing investment could unlock an estimated $5.1 billion in increased provincial GDP over the next 15 years. These improved health outcomes not only enhance workforce participation but also reduce missed workdays and expand access to preventive care.
Women’s Health Research Month in B.C.
March has been designated as Women’s Health Research Month in British Columbia to raise awareness and accelerate initiatives focused on better healthcare for women, girls, and gender-diverse individuals. The launch of this campaign by the BC Women’s Health Foundation underscores a commitment to advancing research in a field that impacts all women at various life stages—especially notable as one in three women are currently experiencing menopause.
Government and Community Support
In support of the campaign, the provincial government officially proclaimed March 2026 as Women’s Health Research Month. “Women, girls, and gender-diverse people experience health differently, and our health system must reflect those realities,” stated Josie Osborne, B.C.’s Minister of Health. This proclamation emphasizes the urgent need for equitable and informed healthcare, driven by robust research.
The Role of Philanthropy in Women’s Health
Recognizing women’s health research as a provincial priority highlights the critical role of philanthropic investment in closing the healthcare gap. Cally Wesson, president and CEO of the BC Women’s Health Foundation, emphasized gratitude for this proclamation, which promotes ongoing conversations across the province. “When we invest in research, we improve care—ensuring women live healthier lives while communities thrive.”
Strategic Philanthropic Initiatives
The BC Women’s Health Foundation’s Philanthropic BC Action Plan for Women’s Health aims to position philanthropy as the driving force behind closing the women’s health research gap. The initiative identifies key funding areas, including menopause, mental health, endometriosis, and cancer, creating a strategic focus for better, evidence-based care tailored to women’s unique needs.
Continuing the Fight Beyond March
While Women’s Health Research Month spotlights these critical issues, the work to close the health gap for women will continue long after March. It’s essential to sustain momentum, ensuring that progress in women’s health transcends specific months or campaigns, ultimately supporting improved health outcomes for half the country’s population.
Get Involved
For continued updates, insights, and ways to contribute to this vital cause, consider visiting bcwomensfoundation.org/whrm. Follow the BC Women’s Health Foundation on various platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay engaged with ongoing initiatives.
