Whether or not you’re familiar with the term ‘gender health gap’, if you identify as a woman, chances are you’ll be aware of the gap’s main symptom: a culture in which women’s medical symptoms are often dismissed, downplayed or misdiagnosed.

The UK has the 12th biggest health gap between women and men in the world, meaning that women generally receive poorer healthcare than cis men.

Infuriatingly, you’re particularly likely to run into problems when dealing with a condition that only affects women. Gynaecological conditions are shockingly under-studied, with just 2.1% of publicly funded research in the UK dedicated solely to reproductive health.

For Black, Asian and other minority-ethnic women, gynaecological conditions can be even more challenging and dangerous, with a study reporting higher rates of morbidity and mortality than other women as well as a lower quality of care and poorer health outcomes.

Chantelle Bell and Anya Roy joined forces to combine their skills and experience and improve the way women access healthcare.

They launched their business Syrona Health, a virtual health clinic providing specialised support for women, trans and non-binary people experiencing gynaecological issues to change things for the better and make a positive influence in the healthcare industry.

“We built a healthcare business that prioritises women - this is how we did it”