by Janet Barclay on 8th March 2024Empowering women’s health through education
This International Women’s Day, Janet Barclay, Senior Project Manager at Health Call, shares what it means to be a woman working in Health Tech and which women are changing the game for women’s health.
What does it mean to you being a woman working in health tech?
I’m proud to work for Health Call in health tech, a traditionally male-dominated industry, and it’s great to bring a female perspective to the table. Working alongside other women in the tech sector allows us to shape digital health with empathy and collaboration. At Health Call, integrity, collaboration, and empathy are our values, and I believe that diverse perspectives only enhance this.
What do you think are some of the most impactful women-led initiatives in women’s health currently?
I would say the emergence of women’s health GPs on social media, which is helping to empower women through education.
In recent years, a remarkable trend has unfolded across social media platforms: the rise of Women’s Health General Practitioners (GPs). These medical professionals, armed with expertise in female-specific health concerns, are leveraging the power of social media to educate, empower, and advocate for women’s health.
In the UK, Dr Louise Newsome, Dr Nighat Arif, and Dr Naomi Potter are leading the way by sharing invaluable, inclusive, and debunked information with women on social media. Arming women with the information they need to access the care they want and, in doing so, significantly changing the quality of women’s lives.
Gone are the days when discussions about women’s health were relegated to whispered conversations or limited to clinical settings. Today, Women’s Health GPs are breaking barriers by disseminating valuable information on menstrual health, reproductive rights, sexual wellness, menopause, and more in accessible and engaging formats.
Through Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and YouTube, these practitioners are reaching audiences far beyond the confines of their clinics. They’re debunking myths, addressing taboos, and providing evidence-based guidance on issues that have long been stigmatised or misunderstood.
The impact is profound. Women who once felt isolated or ashamed of their health concerns now find solace and support in online communities fostered by these GPs. They’re encouraged to advocate for themselves, ask questions, and seek proper medical care without fear or hesitation.
Moreover, the visibility of Women’s Health GPs on social media serves as a catalyst for broader societal change. By challenging outdated norms and advocating for inclusivity and equity in healthcare, these professionals are paving the way for a more empowered and informed generation of women.
In a world where misinformation proliferates online, trusted medical experts are more crucial than ever. Women’s Health GPs on social media are not just influencers; they’re educators, allies, and champions of women’s well-being. As their influence continues to grow, so too does the potential for positive change in women’s health.