Ilaria Fazio
After COVID-19, we’ve witnessed a transformative shift in how society views and engages with women’s health, including sexual wellness and health. There’s a commendable surge in open dialogues surrounding topics like menstruation, fertility, and sexual satisfaction. This increased awareness has paved the way for a more inclusive and supportive environment, as well as the surge of female-owned brands, that shows how women felt that they had to take back ownership over their own bodies and well being.
Despite strides in the right direction, there’s still a gap in providing accessible, accurate information or products on sexual wellness. The lack of regulation on products and the fact that all sexual wellness industries lack the most basic infrastructures (payments systems, easy-to-open bank account, funding, product testing protocols, quality certifications etc) makes it really hard to create truly innovative, high quality and sustainable brands. Disparities in healthcare access persist, hindering optimal care for women. Moreover, societal stigmas surrounding these issues continue to impede open communication specially on mainstream channels like the social networks, making it really difficult to make educational and informative content.
As we navigate the future, education and advocacy emerge as vital catalysts for change. We must commit to breaking down stigmas and fostering a culture that encourages open conversations around sexual health and pleasure. Technological innovation, particularly in the realm of Femtech but also Sextech, holds immense potential. The use of IA, but also a deeper understanding of women’s sexuality, combined with inclusive product design can open endless possibilities to smartly address women’s needs in a more accurate and tailored way. Simultaneously, advocating for policy changes that prioritize women’s health becomes crucial in addressing disparities and fostering a holistic approach to well-being. We really have to work to break down the walls that prevent this kind of brand to easily thrive and scale.