It’s time to go beyond “bikini medicine”

In September, Sinai Health Foundation launched a campaign focused on drawing attention to the historical gaps that exist in women’s health research and raising funds to help women get the answers they deserve.

Women often live longer than men, but on average they will spend 25 per cent of their lives in poorer health. Despite this stark difference, women’s health only receives six per cent of federal funding for health research. A majority of this funding goes to ‘bikini medicine’, an outdated concept that a woman's health can be reduced to what a bikini covers, leaving the rest of the body overlooked in research and care.

This has left major gaps in understanding how women experience all health conditions — from heart disease and stroke to chronic pain and depression. And these gaps are only exacerbated as they enter menopause and the years beyond.

Throughout the campaign, this concept of ‘bikini medicine’ became a bold conversation starter, creating a strong visual representation of the ways that women’s health has been underrepresented and overlooked, leaving women with far too many unanswered questions. Check out some of the ways it came to life across the city!

A powerful message in the windows of the historic Hudson’s Bay building

From October 14 to November 2, the windows of the historic Hudson’s Bay building at Bay and Queen featured a bold installation. In one window, mannequins wearing red bikinis stood behind the question, “Why does women’s health only cover as much as their bikinis?”. A short explanation of bikini medicine served as an invitation for passersby to engage with the idea of the unique health challenges women face throughout their lifetimes. In the next window, a pile of red bikinis with the declaration that has echoed throughout this campaign, “It’s time for answers about women’s health”.

This installation was amplified by a partnership with Shania Bhopa, a Toronto-based researcher and influencer who goes by the handle @wellbyshania. Watch her thoughtful message about why research needs to go beyond bikini medicine below.

Antonia Fifi, Toronto-based fashion influencer who was prominently featured in last year’s Hot and Bothered™ campaign, also shared the message about going beyond bikini medicine with her signature flair and honest delivery. Watch her message about why she’s supporting the campaign below.

Taking our message to the Toronto Waterfront Marathon

On October 18, which is World Menopause Day, a group of more than 60 runners participating in the Toronto Waterfront Marathon committed to raising awareness for women’s health research by sporting redbikinis throughout their race. At the finish line, team members wearing red bikinis held signs echoing the question that appears in the window display, “Why does research only cover what’s under my bikini?”.

This energetic moment invited the more than 100,000 race spectators to engage with the idea that countless women continue to live with unanswered questions about their health and that the time for answers is now. It sparked more than 300 conversations between team members and race attendees about the future of women’s health research.

Join us to close the gaps in women’s health research

Sinai Health is leading the way in research that tackles the real issues women face across every stage of life. As one of the only academic centres in the world that has made menopause and mature women’s health a strategic priority, we are committed to addressing the full spectrum of health challenges women experience, especially as they age.

With your help, we can accelerate breakthroughs in menopause, cardiology, mental health, sexual medicine, pelvic health and beyond – transforming care for generations of women to come. Donate today.