Gender inequality is not a new issue, in fact it is something that has been around for longer than many may realise. Research suggests that male superiority over women started before written history was recorded. Although society has come along way, we are still far from equal, and it is predicted to take another 134 years until we reach gender parity: Global Gender Gap Report 2024: It will take 134 years to reach gender parity – United Nations Western Europe. For many of us, it is a sobering thought to know we will not see a gender equal world in our lifetime, and with continued political turmoil across the globe, is it truly possible that the next generation will see it?

As a society, many of us have become stuck in our understanding of gender equality. For example, if you were asked to explain what women’s rights were, what would you say? I have a hunch that many of us would speak about women’s suffrage and achieving the right to vote. This is, by no doubtable means, an extremely significant and important event in history. This is an achievement that women in the UK will forever be grateful for. However, this happened in 1918 with the Representation of the People Act, and in 1928 with the Equal Franchise Act. Around a hundred years later and we are still fighting. Women secured the right to vote but what about the right to be listened to when we are in pain? The right to jurisdiction over our own bodies? How many of us must suffer in silence before the healthcare system takes us seriously? My pain is not your power, and it is time we understood the gender pain gap.

What is the Gender Pain Gap?

The Gender Pain Gap refers to the way in which women’s pain is greatly misunderstood, mistreated and misdiagnosed in comparison to men. This is the result of gender disparity and biases in society, particularly healthcare. The popular pharmaceutical brand Nurofen launched a campaign called ‘See My Pain’ with the aim to ensure all pain is seen irrespective of gender.

Did you know?

• 1 in 6 women experience pain everyday
• By comparison, women experience more severe pain than men
• 1 in 2 women feel they have had they pain dismissed based on the basis of gender

Nurofen’s research into the Gender Pain Gap evidenced that there are clear knowledge and research gaps with regards to women’s health. The UK Government even confirmed there is a ‘male as default’ approach in the healthcare system: See My Pain | Nurofen. This therefore leads to mistreatment or diagnosis of conditions that present differently in men and women and conditions that affect mostly women.

Does sexism influence ageism?

There is continuing evidence suggesting that where sexism is present in healthcare, so is ageism. The reality for many young adult women is that they are not taken seriously by medical professionals.

• 81% of women aged 18-24 felt they had experienced pain dismissal
• 56% of women aged 45+ felt they had experienced pain dismissal

Even in present times, reproductive health is still taboo, even with specialisms within that area. The assumption is made that because most women will experience gynaecological pain at some point throughout their life, that this pain is ‘normal’. The harsh truth is that women are being gaslit regarding both physical and mental health, using one to explain another or to simply write a prescription and be on your way. What does this look like in healthcare?

• Cardiology symptoms dismissed as anxiety
• Autoimmune diseases and chronic fatigue dismissed as depression
• Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome of Endometriosis dismissed as ‘just women’s problems’ and ‘it is normal to be in excruciating pain’ – Did you know the word ‘hysteria’ comes from the Greek word for ‘uterus’?

This notion that female health symptoms are related to hormones or all in the head have been going on for centuries. Before medicine had progressed like it has today, women presenting with medical issues where given a diagnosis of ‘hysteria’ and all sources of their issues came from their reproductive system. Women were being heavily sedated and institutionalised for simply asking for help.

Rosemary Kennedy: The forgotten sister of John F Kennedy

Rosemary Kennedy was the sister of former US President John F Kennedy who was unfortunately victim to the lack of understanding around women’s health and dismissal of physical and mental health issues as hysteria.

After presenting with behavioural abnormalities, Rosemary was seen as a threat to JFK’s political future. In 1941, at only the age of 23, Rosemary had an involuntary lobotomy which left her non-verbal and immobile for the rest of her life. It is believed that pre-lobotomy, Rosemary was presenting signs of what is now know as a learning disability. Not ‘hysteria’, not just a ‘women’s problem’, a genuine condition.

What can be done now?

As someone with multiple disabilities and enough experience with patronising or dismissive healthcare professionals, I have some recommendations on how to help you receive the proper healthcare you deserve.

• Write it down – It seems simple, especially if your ailment is something you’ve been dealing with for a long time, but when you’re in that environment, it is easy to forget what you want to say. I like to make check lists on my phone to get the most out of my appointments.
• Do not go alone – This is not always possible, however, if you can have someone with you who can help to validate your experience from another perspective. It is also a big step in helping you feel supported by those around you.
• Do not settle – If you are not happy with your treatment, do not settle. Complain, ask for a second opinion etc. You are entitled to this if you feel wrongfully dismissed.

I have several autoimmune diseases, and before I was diagnosed, I was repeatedly dismissed for 10 years. I was told I was too young, that it was just growing pains, women’s problems, anxiety. I was wrote a prescription and sent to a psychiatrist. I knew I was being mistreated, and so I fought back and got the healthcare I deserved.

If you have ever been victim to the Gender Pain Gap, know you are not alone, and we are not done fighting!

What do you want other to know about the Gender Pain Gap?

Thank you for reading.

By Madeline Polston, SGO Projects Officer  

Sources

• The Origin, History and Importance of Gender (In) Equality
• Global Gender Gap Report 2024: It will take 134 years to reach gender parity – United Nations Western Europe
• Women get the vote – UK Parliament
• See My Pain | Nurofen
• Gaslighting in women’s health: when doctors dismiss symptoms | Northwell Health
• Rosemary Kennedy: The Tragic Life of JFK’s Sister | HistoryExtra