For decades, the IWK Foundation has supported excellence in care for women, children, and families across the Maritimes. While we’re best known for championing children’s health, our mandate has always included women, and we believe it’s time to bring women’s health to the forefront.
Despite progress in many areas, women’s health remains under-researched, underfunded, and under-prioritized. That needs to change. The IWK Foundation is stepping up to lead a first-of-its-kind research initiative that puts women’s experiences, voices, and health outcomes at the centre of future planning.
Why This Research Matters
There is no comprehensive understanding in our region of how systemic gaps impact women’s health, particularly when it comes to access, quality of care, or long-term outcomes. Too often, decisions are made without the data and insight needed to reflect women’s real experiences.
Issues like menopause support, chronic pain, mental health, reproductive care, and chronic disease affect women every day, but we don’t have the right information to guide investments, policy, or care delivery. This gap contributes to poorer outcomes, growing system strain, and missed opportunities to improve the lives of women and their families.
What This Initiative Will Do
This research initiative will:
- Include a region-wide survey to gather women’s experiences across Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island
- Focus on identifying systemic gaps and barriers in care, especially for women who have historically been underserved
- Produce clear, actionable insights that can shape policy, funding, training, and care models
- This is not just a research project, it’s a call to action. Our goal is to ensure that women’s health becomes a priority in policy and practice, now and for generations to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this initiative about?
This is a regional research project led by the IWK Foundation to better understand women’s health experiences in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island. The goal is to gather insights directly from women that can inform more equitable health care policies, services, and investments.
Why is this research needed?
Women’s health has been historically under-researched and underfunded. As a result, gaps in diagnosis, treatment, and access persist, especially in areas like menopause, chronic pain, mental health, and reproductive care. Right now, we lack region-specific data to guide meaningful change. This project helps fill that gap.
Who can participate in the survey?
Women aged 18 and older living in the Maritimes (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, or Prince Edward Island) are invited to participate in the survey. The survey is anonymous and confidential, and all voices are welcome.
What will the survey ask?
The survey asks about women’s personal experiences navigating health and care - what works, what’s missing, and where barriers exist. It is not a satisfaction survey about the health care system, it’s about understanding real-world experiences and priorities across the lifespan.
How will the results be used?
The findings will be shared publicly and provided to governments, health authorities, and community leaders. The goal is to produce policy-relevant insights that lead to tangible improvements in how care is delivered and how health systems plan for women’s needs.
Is this just about Nova Scotia?
No, this is a Maritime-wide initiative. Women across Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island are encouraged to take part, and the findings will reflect regional realities.
Who is leading the research?
The initiative is led by the IWK Foundation. The project is grounded in evidence and focused on real-world impact and is a foundational part of the IWK Foundation’s broader work in closing the women’s health gap.
How can I help?
You can help by:
- Taking the survey (if eligible)
- Sharing it with women in your network
- Following the IWK Foundation on social media for updates
For more information on the survey, or to share your story, send us an email.
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