Misinformation and Disinformation: A New Form of Psychological Violence Against Women 

Echo chambers, algorithms, influencers — how can health care professionals navigate the overwhelming volume of misinformation that isolates and manipulates women without their knowledge? The data is clear: women struggle to reach health care professionals when they face issues and have limited access to primary care services. As a result, they often turn to social media in search of support, though often in the absence of truth. As the Canadian Medical Association demonstrated this week, 43 per cent of Canadians are highly likely to believe misinformation, and 35 per cent are moderately susceptible to it. 

This is a highly relevant topic that I chose to explore when I was invited to speak on the topic of ways to end violence against women during the DHEERA plenary at the 67th All India Congress of Obstetrics & Gynaecology (AICOG) in Mumbai. This event provided a wonderful platform for the SOGC, where over 12,000 participants had the opportunity to learn about the tangible actions our small team undertakes on a daily basis. We seize every opportunity to educate women and 2SLGBTQI+ community members to help them make the best choices for themselves, while taking into account their cultural safety — not the recommendations pushed by unscrupulous influencers. Algorithms manipulate women into believing their bodies have abandoned them (infertility, irregular menstrual cycles, menstrual pain, etc.). The miracle cures offered by influencers are designed to help women survive the feeling of failure, as if punishment has replaced illness.  

The SOGC is also very active on social media to correct the narrative — follow us! 

This week, in Davos, the conversation wasn’t just about our neighbour to the south. McKinsey published its second report on women’s health, social inequities and their economic impact. Here’s the link; it’s worth a read! The conclusion resonates with us because we have been advocating for the same things over and over again: more data on women’s health, more funding for women’s health research and more education to reduce inequities and enable women to take their rightful place. And speaking of funding, we recently received a $1.2 million grant to create educational tools on menopause. The entire team worked incredibly hard to craft this creative proposal, and we are extremely pleased and proud. Congratulations to Jocelynn, our powerhouse! 

Dr. Diane Francoeur 
FRCSC, MHCM, ICD.D
Chief Executive Officer