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This World Needs to Change
Why Make Decisions With Half of the Data?

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes, 40 seconds

The world is designed with blind spots that ignore the needs of women.
Recognising these gaps is the first step toward meaningful change.
This International Women’s Day, consider what part you can play in making this world more inclusive for women.

Much of today’s newsletter takes inspiration from Invisible Women by Caroline Criado Perez, and she writes:
“When we exclude half of humanity from the data, we lose out on the opportunity to build a world that works for everyone.”
Here’s an illustrated representation of that quote:

It doesn’t take a genius to recognise that this isn’t right.
Would you make a decision based on just half of the available data?

Today’s saying comes courtesy of author of Invisible Women - Caroline Criado Perez:
“It's not always easy to convince someone a need exists, if they don't have that need themselves.”
I am conscious that you might not be a woman, or you may feel that inequality doesn’t impact you.
I urge you to think about the women that are important to you as you read the rest of this newsletter.

6 months ago, I became a father to a beautiful daughter.
Since then, I have been much more aware of the injustices that women experience on a daily basis.
Much of the modern world has been designed without women in mind.
Caroline Criado Perez’s research in Invisible Women highlights how data bias has shaped a world that often makes life harder for women; sometimes in minor inconveniences, in others endangering them.
Seat belts - Car safety tests historically used male crash-test dummies, making women 47% more likely to be seriously injured in a car accident.
Workplace tools - Many tools and equipment, from protective gear to office temperatures, are designed for men’s bodies, making work environments less comfortable for women.
Healthcare - Women are more likely to be misdiagnosed because medical research has often been based on male bodies, leading to worse outcomes for conditions like heart attacks.
Why does this matter?
If inequalities (even unintentional ones) go unnoticed and unaddressed, then they will continue.
Here are 3 ways in which you can play your part in making this world more inclusive for women:
Recognise the gaps – If you don’t notice the inequalities, you can’t change them. First you need to learn about the hidden inequalities that are impacting women’s daily lives.
Amplify women’s voices – In too many instances, women have attempted to raise concerns only to be dismissed. Play your part by listening, believing, and supporting when they do share.
Advocate for better design – We are all responsible for making an inclusive society. Even if you feel that it doesn’t directly benefit you, if you see a need, you are responsible for being a voice for it.
Complete today’s Reflection to consider what part that you can play in making the world more women considerate.

Here are 3 journal prompts to help you explore today’s wisdom:
Have I ever noticed a situation where women’s needs were overlooked or ignored?
How can I play a role in making everyday spaces and systems more inclusive for women?
Who is a woman that I can celebrate today? What could I do to make sure that they know that I appreciate them?

Today’s resource is Invisible Women by Caroline Criado Perez.
This eye-opening book exposes how women’s contributions are often overlooked in society and why gender equality benefits everyone.
It is a must-read for understanding the unseen challenges women face and how we can create a fairer world.
Consider supporting your friendly local book store or find where to purchase it here:

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Catch you in the next issue!
Thanks,
Michael