Women report feeling unheard in healthcare and workplace

Research from KiesKompas and Voices for Women indicates that two out of three women feel unheard by healthcare professionals when discussing symptoms, referrals, or treatment options. Only one in five women believes healthcare providers listen effectively to them. The findings highlight that women, particularly those aged 25 to 54 with unexplained symptoms, often feel misunderstood in clinical settings. Furthermore, approximately 65 percent of women report receiving psychological diagnoses despite presenting with physical complaints.

Beyond the doctor's office, women also face challenges in the workplace. Two-thirds of women feel uncomfortable discussing health issues with employers, which has negatively impacted productivity and stress levels. In some cases, this discomfort has led a quarter of women to stop working earlier than intended.

The reports also emphasize a lack of research and information regarding female-specific health issues, such as hormonal changes and menopause. Additionally, women of color face compounded challenges due to the intersection of gender and ethnic biases, which can lead to delayed or incorrect diagnoses.