Eliminating ‘Reference Man’ to create a gender equal world | Michele Clark | TEDxMaldonWomen

TL;DR

Medical practices and public spaces are designed based on men, neglecting women's needs and safety.

Transcript

[Applause] good afternoon it's an absolute pleasure to be here today I'm really excited to introduce you to someone who has had a profound impact on your life before I do however a little bit of context we live in a world that's not equal for men and women because of thousands of years of power dynamics the needs of women are often overlooked and i... Read More

Key Insights

• 😷 Medical practices often disregard women's physiological differences, impacting their healthcare.
• 👩‍💼 Office and public space designs cater to men, neglecting women's comfort and safety.
• 🧑 "Reference Man" symbolizes the average person in design decisions, excluding women's perspectives.
• 🎨 Diversity in decision-making and gender considerations can help eliminate bias in design.
• 👩‍⚕️ Gender bias in design affects women's health outcomes and safety in everyday spaces.

Questions & Answers

Q: How has medical science neglected women's health needs?

Medical trials and treatments are primarily based on men, leading to a lack of understanding of women's bodies and health issues, leaving women at a disadvantage when seeking care.

Q: Why are public spaces like offices and trains designed for men?

These spaces cater to the needs and comfort of men, from office temperatures to train accessibility, ignoring factors like child-carrying or personal safety that affect women's experiences.

Q: What superpower does "Reference Man" possess in influencing design?

Reference Man symbolizes the average person, usually a white man, shaping design decisions that overlook women's needs, invisibly perpetuating gender bias in everyday spaces.

Q: How can individuals contribute to eliminating gender bias in design?

By promoting diversity in decision-making roles and advocating for considering gender impacts in design choices, individuals can help create a more inclusive environment for all.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Medical science focuses on men, ignoring women's physiological differences.

• Public spaces like offices, trains, and cars are designed for men, leaving women vulnerable.

• Eliminating gender bias in decision-making can create a more inclusive and safe world for all.