Why Gender-Specific Advocacy for Women with Spinal Cord Injuries Matters

When it comes to spinal cord injury (SCI) care, research, and rehabilitation, the reality is simple, the system wasn’t built with women in mind. For far too long, women with spinal cord injuries have had to navigate a healthcare system, employment landscape, and societal expectations that don’t fully consider their unique needs.

But here’s the truth: women experience SCI differently. From gynaecological health and menstrual care to mental health support, relationships, and workplace challenges, the needs of women with SCI deserve more attention. This is why gender-specific SCI advocacy is not just important, it’s essential.

Let’s explore why we must push for change and how HerSpine Solutions is working to bridge the gap.

1. Women Experience SCI Differently

SCI doesn’t affect men and women in the same way, yet much of the research, rehabilitation, and assistive technology available today has been designed primarily around male patients. Women face unique challenges in areas such as:

  • Gynaecological health – Conditions like endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and menopause require specialised care that is rarely addressed in SCI treatment plans.
  • Menstrual health – Many women experience irregular periods or changes in their cycles post-SCI. Managing menstruation with reduced mobility, bladder and bowel management, or autonomic dysreflexia requires guidance that is often missing.
  • Pregnancy and motherhood – Yes, women with SCI can get pregnant and have healthy babies, but many struggle to find medical professionals with expertise in managing pregnancy for women with paralysis.
  • Pain management and spasticity – Women often experience pain differently than men, and hormonal fluctuations can make symptoms worse.

Yet, these issues are rarely discussed in standard rehabilitation programmes. This is why gender-specific SCI advocacy matters, because every woman deserves access to care that understands her body and her needs.

Confident young woman with spinal cord injury outdoors, smiling as she looks ahead, representing resilience and advocacy.
Aged woman with a spinal cord injury sitting in a wheelchair in a garden

2. Barriers in Healthcare and Rehabilitation

Most healthcare systems and rehabilitation programmes were originally designed for male SCI patients, meaning that women often receive care that doesn’t fully address their challenges.

Some common barriers include:

  • Lack of medical research on SCI in women – The majority of SCI studies have been conducted on men, leaving gaps in knowledge around female-specific issues.
  • Rehabilitation centres not designed for women – Many rehab facilities don’t offer resources for menstrual care, pregnancy support, or adaptive gynaecological exams.
  • Limited access to female SCI specialists – It’s hard to find gynaecologists, physiotherapists, and urologists who specialise in treating women with spinal cord injuries.
  • Higher risk of being misdiagnosed – Women’s pain, fatigue, and hormonal issues are often dismissed or misattributed to “stress” or “emotional difficulties” rather than SCI-related complications.

This lack of recognition leads to delayed treatment, misdiagnosis, and unnecessary struggles. A healthcare system that acknowledges gender differences isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity.

3. The Emotional and Social Impact

Beyond the medical aspects, women with SCI also face different emotional, social, and psychological challenges than men.

  • Dating and relationships with SCI can be challenging, as women with disabilities are often overlooked in conversations about romance and intimacy.
  • Mental health support is critical, as women with SCI are at a higher risk of experiencing depression, anxiety, and body image struggles.
  • Caregiving expectations fall disproportionately on women — even those with disabilities are often expected to be primary caregivers for their families.

Without advocacy, these struggles remain invisible, and many women feel isolated in their experiences. We need safe spaces where women with SCI can share, connect, and empower each other.

Smiling woman using a wheelchair while working on a laptop with the aid of a friend, symbolizing empowerment for women with spinal cord injuries.
Professional woman in a wheelchair leading a team meeting in an office, representing inclusion and workplace advocacy.

4. Workplace Barriers and Financial Independence

Finding employment opportunities for women with disabilities is already difficult, but women with SCI face additional obstacles that men often don’t encounter.

  • Higher unemployment rates – Women with disabilities are less likely to be employed than men with disabilities.
  • Workplace bias – Employers may assume that women with SCI are less capable or unable to handle certain responsibilities, leading to fewer career advancements.
  • Work-life balance challenges – Women with SCI who are also mothers or caregivers face additional barriers in securing flexible or remote work opportunities.

Gender-specific advocacy can help push for inclusive hiring practices, accessible workspaces, and policies that support women with SCI in the workforce.

5. Creating a More Inclusive Future

To make real change, we need to advocate for:

  • More SCI research focusing on women’s health
  • Medical professionals trained in female-specific SCI care
  • Employment policies that empower women with disabilities
  • Greater representation of women with SCI in media and leadership roles

By demanding these changes, we’re not just helping one woman, we’re shaping a future where all women with SCI can thrive.

a happy couple

6. How HerSpine Solutions is Leading the Charge

At HerSpine Solutions, we know that gender-specific advocacy isn’t optional, it’s essential. That’s why we’re creating a movement that puts women with SCI at the centre of the conversation.

HerSpine

Stories

Amplifying real experiences of women with SCI, breaking stereotypes, and driving change.

HerSpine

Communities

A safe space for women to connect, support each other, and share resources.

HerSpine

Services

A directory of female-friendly healthcare providers, employment resources, and adaptive solutions.

HerSpine

Academy

Expert-led courses to empower women with the knowledge and skills they need to navigate life with SCI.

Advocacy starts with awareness, and awareness leads to action. Together, we can rewrite the narrative and build a world where women with spinal cord injuries have equal access to healthcare, opportunities, and a fulfilling life.

Are you ready to be part of the change? Join HerSpine Solutions today and let’s push for a future where every woman with SCI is seen, heard, and empowered.