The Weber Shandwick Collective, a part of IPG, announced the launch of a ‘Women’s Health’ offering across Apac ahead of International Day of Action for Women’s Health on 28 May 2023.
Women’s Health brings together agency experts from the region covering health communications, corporate communications, policy and advocacy, employee engagement, digital innovation and design experience. It will be driven by data intelligence and work closely with a group of in-culture advisors and external consultants from business, government, academia and society, informed an agency statement.
Women’s Health will be led by Rachael Pay, MD – Health, Weber Shandwick EMEA and Senior Health Sponsor, Apac. According to the agency, the new offering is designed to drive a change in the definition of women’s health that has historically been restricted to reproductive health and diseases unique to women, to a more holistic view on health, wellness and wellbeing.
“Research shows that across the Asia Pacific region, women are more prone to experiencing health inequalities brought on by sociocultural influences and conditions and political environments that limit their ability to initiate and access optimal care,” said, Liz Clark Martinez, Vice President, Health Strategy, Weber Shandwick Hong Kong & Singapore. “To foster change in the field of women’s health, we must gain a deep understanding of women and the intersections of culture and modern medicine – only then can we support clients to actively drive progress across all areas of health by developing communications programs that truly resonate and drive action,” she added.
“‘Take it in your stride’ is a phrase that women in India often hear when they voice health issues. However, healthcare needs to be gender-specific which is often overlooked. Every woman should have access to curated information specific to her concerns without stigma, and it is imperative that this is normalised,” said, Ruchika Vyas, EVP – Client Experience and Health Practice Lead, Weber Shandwick Mumbai.
The agency analysed media coverage and social media data from April 2022 to March 2023 in multiple Asian markets, and claims it showed a lack of information specific to women about Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis, despite increased risks for women.
The offer will be driven by health experts and specialists (pictured above) from each office across its business, spanning diversity, equity & inclusion (DEI), employee engagement and femtech innovation, said, Vanessa Ho Nikolovski, Chief Client & Growth Officer, Weber Shandwick, Asia Pacific. “Our unique offer will bridge knowledge gaps and help companies and brands sit at the heart of women’s health through creativity, action, and measurable impact,” she added.
