Ever heard of the Gender Data Gap? About half of the world’s population is female. Nevertheless, in science, the male is often used as the standard. In her acclaimed book “Invisible Women,” British journalist Caroline Criado Perez highlights this very problem. She points out how research is often focused on the everyday life and experiences of men, which has serious consequences for women. The lack of essential data creates a so-called Gender Data Gap – a gap that primarily disadvantages women.
Dr. Anke Skopec, CEO & Head of Research, BIFI Institute and “Berlin Entrepreneur 2022/23” has founded Gaia – the FemTech Alliance:
I founded GAIA – the FemTech Alliance, in which female well-being is strengthened through innovative technologies. I would like to share my story and my experiences with the goal of inspiration and role model effect with impact-oriented entrepreneurs and promote their open-mindedness, curiosity and humility towards new knowledge.
Dr. Anke Skopec, https://www.gaia-femtech.com/
The “GAIA” network, founded by BIFI – Berliner Institut für Innovationsforschung GmbH, fills the significant gap in health research for women. Until 1993, women were excluded from clinical trials, resulting in untapped potential and dangerous data gaps. “GAIA” aims to close these gaps and create new opportunities for women and women’s health. The “CARE” concept not only includes exchange and cooperation within the network, but also emphasizes “SELFCARE” to help women get to know themselves better and understand their strengths. At the same time, it offers men the opportunity to shape their relationships with women on a new, cooperative level.
As a ZIM innovation network (Zentrales Innovationsprogramm MIttelstand), “GAIA” connects partners from business and science to promote the transfer of knowledge and data. The difgl looks forward to advancing the research results gained together with new partners in the form of new products and services, innovations and approaches. The experienced team at BIFI supports the innovation process, from applying for funding to implementing the projects. The funding, provided by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK), is intended to accelerate high-risk projects and strengthen innovation and competitiveness in Germany.
