In this episode of The Fifth Wave, Avis Favaro asks a hard question: what happens when women aren't counted? Only 7% of Canadian health research funding specifically targets women, a number that hasn't moved in 15 years, even though women make up 51% of the population. Through conversations with Dr. Justine Dol of IWK Health, Kearie Daniel of the Black Women's Institute for Health, and Dr. Alice Aiken of Dalhousie University, this episode breaks down why the data gap exists, how it compounds for Black women and other underrepresented groups, and what it would take to finally fix it.Key Takeaways:Just 7% of Canadian health research funding specifically targets women, and that number hasn't moved in 15 years, according to a 2025 study of Canadian Institutes of Health Research grants.Closing the women's health research gap could add an estimated $37 billion a year to the Canadian economy by 2040, according to the McKinsey Health Institute.Black women in Canada are chronically underrepresented in health data. Voices Unheard, the first national survey of its kind, found that 42% of Black women delay seeking care out of fear of how they'll be treated.Disaggregated data, broken down by race, age and other factors, reveals gaps that averages hide, and it's the only way to actually fix the system for everyone.The thing you really NEED to know:You can't fix what you can't measure. Until Canada collects, funds and actually uses disaggregated data on women's health, including Black women, Indigenous women and other underrepresented groups, the healthcare system will keep being built around a population it was never designed to serve. -- Guest Info/Resources: Dr. Justine Dol, Dr. Margaret Oulton Accelerate Chair in Women+ Health Research, IWK Health: justinedol.comKearie Daniel, Founder and Executive Director, Black Women's Institute for Health: LinkedIn ProfileDr. Alice Aiken, Professor, School of Physiotherapy, Dalhousie University; co-founder, Canadian Institute for Military and Veteran Health Research: LinkedIn ProfileResource: Maritime Women+ Health Priority Setting Partnership StudyResource: Voices Unheard: Healthcare Barriers and the Lived Experience of Black Women in Canada, Black Women's Institute for Health (November 2025). The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by the hosts, guests, and participants of the Fifth Wave belong solely to the individuals involved and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the IWK Foundation. The information discussed in this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical, legal, or professional advice from the IWK Foundation. While we strive for accuracy, the IWK Foundation makes no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this podcast and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its use. Listener discretion is advised.
