Writing the next chapter in Women’s health: Second year of FemTech book collection
On International Women’s Day, we marked an exciting milestone: Exactly one year ago, Oxford’s first FemTech Book Collection was launched at the Green Templeton College Library. Initiated by Christiane Hagel, at the time a GTC DPhil student in Clinical Medicine and President of the Oxford FemTech Society, this collection brought FemTech — the intersection of women’s health, technology, and entrepreneurship — into Oxford’s academic resources, making knowledge both accessible and actionable through encouraging critical discussions to drive innovations in women’s health and beyond.
Expanding knowledge and resources for students and researchers
In just one year, the FemTech book collection has grown to be one of the most borrowed collections at Green Templeton College Library, and because of the high demand, the shelves are frequently empty. Thanks to the dedication of GTC librarians Kirsty Taylor and Richard Turner, and a donation from the Oxford FemTech Society, the collection continues to grow. New additions this year include books by authors such as GTC fellow and Professor Linda Scotts, Professor Helen King, Dr Marina Gerner, Dr Brittany Baretto, and many more, covering a variety of topics such as:
📕 The complex medical and religious history of women’s bodies and how these views have influenced medicine and society today.
📗 Global efforts to promote women’s health and achieve gender equity in medicine.
📙 Breaking barriers in entrepreneurship, including how to secure funding, and navigate the startup ecosystem.
📘 The cost of sexism, reproductive politics, and managing conditions like endometriosis.
Why this collection matters for the next generation of leaders
Women’s health has historically been under or misrepresented in medical research and education, shaped by gender data gaps, systemic biases, and a narrow focus on reproductive health. These gaps have contributed to the misdiagnosis, underdiagnosis, and inadequate treatment of numerous health conditions affecting women, including endometriosis, autoimmune diseases, ADHD, chronic pain, and reproductive health disparities.
The FemTech Book Collection seeks to address these issues by providing comprehensive resources on women’s health, technology, and entrepreneurship. By providing students, researchers, and professionals with literature and knowledge on innovation, leadership, and business development, the collection links to a multidisciplinary approach to tackle healthcare inequalities and advance women’s health.
Education is the foundation for progress and rewriting the narrative for women seeking healthcare. The more we understand women’s bodies and lived experiences, the better we can address longstanding biases, reduce stigma, and create solutions that are inclusive and evidence-based, and as a result benefit all.
More than just books, this collection is a driver for change
This collection serves not only as a repository of information but also as a driver for change and innovation through advocacy, education, and research. Its goal is to encourage students and professionals across all disciplines and genders to participate in discussions about gender equity in healthcare and technology. Our ongoing efforts to expand this collection further with support from our librarians and GTC’s alumni community will help to bridge critical knowledge gaps and ensure that future healthcare solutions reflect the diverse experiences and needs of all individuals.
