Exploring gynaecological violence through a socio-anthropological approach. Data on the invisibility of female genital suffering

This paper examines the relationship between medical gaslighting, gender inequalities, and feminist activism through the case of vulvodynia in Italy. Despite affecting an estimated 10–16% of individuals assigned female at birth, vulvodynia remains poorly understood, frequently misdiagnosed, and largely absent from medical education and public health policies. Drawing on sociological and medical anthropological perspectives, we analyze how androcentric medical paradigms and epistemic injustice contribute to the dismissal of chronic vulvar pain and to significant delays in diagnosis and treatment. The paper also explores the role of digital and grassroots activism in challenging medical neglect and promoting public recognition of vulvodynia. Through social media campaigns and patient advocacy, activists have contested dominant medical narratives and demanded institutional change. Finally, we discuss a participatory action-research project launched in 2023 involving healthcare professionals, patient associations, and patients. We argue that integrating patients’ lived experiences into healthcare knowledge is essential for fostering more inclusive and gender-sensitive healthcare systems.