Valentina Milanova on Breaking Barriers in Female & Gyno Health Innovation

Did you know that some of the biggest barriers to advancing women's health aren't just medical, but structural? Major advertising platforms like Meta, Google, TikTok, and even public systems like Transport for London impose severe restrictions on discussing essential topics such as menopause, breastfeeding, and pelvic floor health. These restrictions reflect a deeper societal blind spot for the complexities of gynaecological care.

In this episode, we’re honoured to be joined by Valentina Milanova, founder and CEO of Daye, a groundbreaking health tech startup on a mission to close the gender health gap for good. Valentina’s journey began with her own struggles to have her gynaecological health concerns taken seriously. Through those experiences, she realised this wasn’t just a personal issue but a systemic problem that limits over half the population from fully participating in society, education, sports, and the economy.

We’ll explore the enduring misconceptions surrounding women’s health, such as the outdated belief that women are simply smaller versions of men, and the lasting impact of excluding women from clinical trials until the mid-1990s. These oversights have created significant gaps in diagnostic timelines, medical device testing, and pharmaceutical research, leaving women underserved. For instance, in Denmark, a global leader in gender equality, women are diagnosed with conditions like cancer and diabetes years later than men. For diseases such as endometriosis and PCOS, these delays can stretch over a decade.

This conversation will delve into the systemic reforms needed, the role of public / private partnerships, and actionable steps to create real, measurable improvements. It’s time to break the silos, challenge assumptions, and address women’s health with the urgency and respect it deserves.

Join us as we spark meaningful conversations, amplify diverse voices, and ignite change.