Equity and Inclusion in FemTech: a qualitative study

FemTech (female technologies) startups in Australia are developing innovative solutions to support women's health, including sexual and reproductive health. How FemTech startups address user inclusion, diversity, and equity in their design and development remains underexplored. This qualitative research project will explore: 1) how FemTech startups conceptualize and implement equity and inclusion in their products and services; 2) the extent to which user perspectives, especially from diverse and underserved groups, are incorporated into design and decision-making; 3) challenges and opportunities startups face in creating inclusive digital health tools. Through semi-structured interviews with founders, designers, and product leads, the project will apply digital health equity and feminist technology frameworks to critically examine how values like accessibility, representation, and trust are reflected in FemTech innovation. This project sits within SPHERE, an NHMRC-funded Centre of Research Excellence in Sexual and Reproductive Health for Women in Primary Care. SPHERE is led by Professor Danielle Mazza and supported by multidisciplinary students and researchers in the Department of General Practice. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to be part of this team with support from experienced supervisors.