On March 20, two complementary events took place in Vilnius, dedicated to discussing the current state of women’s health research and its challenges—a meeting with policymakers, as well as a public lecture and discussion. The discussion featured the head of our research group prof. Ramunė Grikšienė.
“It is very important for women to know that what is happening in their bodies can be explained medically. It is not a ‘bad personality’ or ‘laziness’. It is biology,” emphasized Prof. Ramunė Grikšienė during the discussion.
The participating scientists and experts: Prof. Alkistis Skalkidou, Prof. Ramunė Grikšienė, and Dr. Gražina Bielousova - encouraged viewing women’s health not as a narrow topic, but as a fundamental part of science, health policy, and societal well-being. The discussions were moderated by science journalist Goda Raibytė-Aleksa.
Key insights:
- Medical research is still dominated by the “standard male” model, which increases the risk of inaccurate diagnosis and inappropriate treatment for women.
- Only a very small share of funding is allocated to conditions specific to women’s health, limiting progress and the development of solutions.
- Women’s health must be integrated systematically from research design to clinical practice and policy decisions.
- A shift is needed from the concept of a “universal patient” to personalized medicine that includes biological sex as a factor.
- Women’s health is not only a medical issue but also a matter of human rights and equal opportunities.
During the discussions, it was repeatedly emphasized that isolated initiatives are not enough to achieve real change. A fundamental shift in perspective is needed both in science and in policy.
We invite you to watch the full recording of the public discussion on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ESROdlDMvJw
This event is part of the Women’s Health Research Initiative, organized by the Lithuanian National Commission for UNESCO together with its partners.