As we approach the end of 2023, it’s a fitting moment to look back at the positive developments that have brought us closer to dismantling patriarchal norms and fostering gender equality. In this blog post, we’ll revisit eight key insights that have emerged throughout the year, shedding light on various aspects of women’s experiences and challenging longstanding biases.
- Revolutionising Car Safety Tests: In a crucial step toward safer roads for everyone, the world witnessed the introduction of the first female crash dummy in car safety tests. Despite its creation in 2022, regulatory standards have yet to catch up, limiting its widespread usage. The hope is that regulators worldwide will mandate its use, promoting vehicle designs that consider the safety of both men and women.
- Cracking the Code of Morning Sickness: Pregnancy sickness, a common yet poorly understood phenomenon, saw a breakthrough in 2023. A study revealed that a hormone produced by the foetus, GDF15, triggers nausea and vomiting in expectant mothers. This discovery opens the door to potential preventive measures, offering hope for a future where pregnancy sickness is better managed.
- A New Era in Period Product Testing: This year marked a paradigm shift in how we evaluate the absorbency of period products. For the first time, researchers tested these products with actual blood, dispelling the inaccuracies of previous studies conducted with saline solution or water. This revelation not only challenges product labelling but also highlights the potential consequences for diagnosing heavy menstrual bleeding and related health conditions.
- Reassessing Behavioural Patterns: Challenging historical biases in scientific research, a study using machine-learning software found that male mice exhibited more erratic behaviour than their female counterparts. This challenges age-old assumptions about sex differences and hormonal influences on behaviour, encouraging a more inclusive approach to scientific studies.
- Toppling the ‘Man the Hunter’ Myth: Dispelling the myth that only prehistoric men engaged in hunting, research from the University of Washington and the University of Delaware uncovered evidence of women participating in hunting activities. This challenges stereotypes and suggests that gender-based divisions of labour were less advantageous in ancient times than previously believed.
- The ‘Ivory Lady’ Unveiled: Archaeological discoveries in 2023 revealed that the ‘Ivory Man,’ buried with lavish items, was, in fact, the ‘Ivory Lady.’ This challenges assumptions about gender roles in ancient societies, suggesting that female leadership may have been the norm rather than the exception.
- Equalising the Playing Field in Sports: Addressing biases in sports, a study led by the University of Zurich questioned the perception that women’s sports are less entertaining. Blurring the gender of players in an experiment equalized performance ratings between male and female athletes, challenging stereotypes and advocating for more equitable media coverage and pay.
- Gender Equality: A Key to Longevity: A groundbreaking global study by the George Institute for Global Health demonstrated that greater gender equality is associated with longer lives for both women and men. This reinforces the idea that equality is not a zero-sum game; rather, it benefits everyone, leading to happier and more fulfilled lives.
As we bid farewell to 2023, let’s carry these insights forward, fuelling our commitment to gender equality in the years to come. The journey toward a more equitable world continues, and with each revelation, we move one step closer to building a society where dignity and respect are truly universal.
Wishing you a peaceful end to the year, filled with good company and positive reflections. See you in the next chapter of progress!