The rapid integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into healthcare presents new challenges for women in Australia, particularly as existing gender gaps in health data and research remain unaddressed. AI tools, increasingly relied upon by women facing barriers such as cost and access, often propagate misinformation and gender bias, while FemTech applications – apps and devices specifically designed to support and track women’s health – raise significant privacy concerns. 

This policy brief sets out an urgently needed gender-informed approach to digital health reform, so women can continue to capitalise on the opportunities for innovation presented by emerging technologies, without risking their safety or deepening inequities. 

Building on existing public health and digital policy frameworks, the paper presents a summary of recommendations across three key areas: 

1. addressing data gaps
2. using AI for health advice
3. privacy practices in Femtech.