In healthcare, a critical demographic has been consistently making 90% of healthcare decisions: women. This influential group not only drives the healthcare decisions for themselves but often for their families, making them the cornerstone of consumer health and wellness engagement. Despite their undeniable impact, 66% of women feel misunderstood by the healthcare market. This discrepancy raises a crucial question: why is there such a significant gap in understanding the needs of the majority of the healthcare market's decision-makers?
The answer lies in the representation at the highest levels of the companies that shape the healthcare industry. Currently, only 15% of women hold CEO positions in the sector. This underrepresentation at the leadership level creates a disconnect between those who make the decisions and those for whom the decisions are made. As the CEO of PIROOZ, I am acutely aware of the importance of bridging this gap. Our company is committed to recognizing and amplifying the voice of the female consumer in healthcare and in wellness. It is a strategic imperative for industry-wide success.
The significant influence of women in healthcare decisions is mirrored in their proactive approach to seeking health and wellness information. Research shows that 9 out of 10 women go online to find this crucial data, demonstrating their active role in managing health and wellness. Despite their engagement and spending power, the feeling of being misunderstood points to a larger issue within the healthcare industry: a lack of targeted, responsive strategies that address the specific needs and concerns of women.
Women's majority share in consumer spending further underscores their role as key stakeholders in not only healthcare but in the global economy. Controlling over $31.8 trillion in worldwide spending, women's economic influence is undeniable. Yet, the persistent cycle of exclusion from critical leadership roles in industries where they are the primary consumers is incongruent with their market impact. This historical oversight is not just a missed opportunity for gender equality but a strategic misstep for companies aiming to thrive in a competitive marketplace.
The narrative that "the future is female" goes beyond politics and steps into a broader economic reality. Acknowledging this trend isn't just about embracing diversity for its own sake; it's a recognition of where the majority of the world's purchasing power resides. As industries, including healthcare, continue to evolve, understanding and addressing the needs of women will be crucial to crafting strategies that are inclusive, effective, and responsive.
As the CEO of PIROOZ, I am passionate about uniting Eastern and Western health philosophies. Leading a dynamic team, our mission is to launch the world's premier media network for wellness information, connecting a community of experts and thought leaders. Our solutions platform blends Western medical insights with naturopathic, homeopathic, and Eastern wisdom, making comprehensive health knowledge and products accessible, and promoting a global understanding of wellness.
The future is not just female because of societal shifts towards gender equality; it is female because women are the primary drivers of the global economy and healthcare decisions.