Women Leading the Charge: Why Empowering Women is Essential for Global Health

This article was exclusively written for The European Sting by Ms. Anh Ngoc Thi Le, a sixth-year medical student at the Hanoi Medical University – Thanh Hoa Campus, Vietnam. She is affiliated with the International Federation of Medical Students Associations (IFMSA), cordial partner of The Sting. The opinions expressed in this piece belong strictly to the writer and do not necessarily reflect IFMSA’s view on the topic, nor The European Sting’s one.

For far too long, women have been underrepresented in leadership positions within global health. This lack of diversity has real-world consequences, hindering progress towards a healthier world for all. However, a growing movement is recognizing the immense value of women’s leadership in tackling complex health issues.

Empowering women in global health leadership isn’t just about achieving gender parity. It’s about unlocking a wealth of talent, experience, and perspectives critical for effective solutions. Here’s why women are uniquely positioned to lead the charge in global health:

• Understanding the Needs of Communities: Women often make up the majority of healthcare workers at the ground level, directly interacting with patients and communities. This firsthand experience provides invaluable insight into the specific needs and challenges faced by different populations. Women leaders can leverage this understanding to develop targeted interventions and healthcare policies that resonate with the communities they serve.
• A Focus on Prevention and Equity: Studies have shown that women leaders tend to prioritize preventive healthcare and invest more heavily in areas like maternal and child health. This focus on prevention is crucial for long-term health outcomes and reducing the burden on healthcare systems. Additionally, women leaders are more likely to champion policies that address health inequities and ensure everyone has access to quality care.
• Collaboration and Communication: Women are often lauded for their strong communication and collaboration skills. These abilities are essential for building bridges between different stakeholders in global health, including government agencies, NGOs, and community groups. Effective communication and collaboration are key to developing and implementing successful health programs.
• Innovation and Resilience: Women leaders bring fresh perspectives and a willingness to challenge the status quo. This can lead to innovative solutions and approaches to complex health problems. Additionally, women have a proven track record of resilience in the face of adversity, a vital quality for navigating the many challenges that arise in global health initiatives.

Breaking Down Barriers: The Road to Leadership

Despite the compelling arguments for women’s leadership, significant barriers remain. Gender stereotypes can hold women back from pursuing leadership roles. Additionally, unconscious bias within selection processes can disadvantage female candidates.

To overcome these hurdles, a multi-pronged approach is needed:

• Mentorship and Sponsorship Programs: Connecting aspiring female leaders with established mentors and sponsors can provide invaluable guidance and support.
• Leadership Training Programs: Programs specifically designed to empower women with the skills and confidence needed to excel in leadership roles can make a significant difference.
• Addressing Unconscious Bias: Implementing diversity and inclusion training within organizations working in global health can help identify and dismantle unconscious bias in the selection process.

Conclusion

Empowering women in global health leadership is not just a moral imperative, it’s a strategic necessity. By leveraging the unique talents and perspectives of women leaders, we can develop more effective solutions, address health inequities, and ultimately achieve a healthier future for all. As Dr. Gro Harlem Brundtland, former Director-General of the WHO, aptly stated, “No society can achieve full potential unless it utilizes the talents and contributions of all its citizens.”  Let’s ensure women have a rightful seat at the table, leading the charge towards a healthier world.

References:

1. https://www.womenlifthealth.org/article/africa-empowering-women-leaders-in-health-the-crucial-role-of-mentorship-in-achieving-inclusive-leadership/
2. Bourgeault, Ivy & James, Yvonne & Lawford, Karen & Lundine, Jamie. (2018). Empowering women leaders in health: a gap analysis of the state of knowledge. 5. 92. 
3. Mousa M, Boyle J, Skouteris H, Mullins AK, Currie G, Riach K, Teede HJ. (2021). Advancing women in healthcare leadership: A systematic review and meta-synthesis of multi-sector evidence on organisational interventions. EClinicalMedicine. doi:10.1016/j.eclinm.2021.101084.
4. https://www.oecd.org/dac/gender-development/PD_Gender_Equality_Austria.pdf 
5. https://unsdg.un.org/2030-agenda/universal-values/gender-equality-and-womens-empowerment

About the author

Anh Ngoc Thi Le is a sixth-year medical student at the Hanoi Medical University – Thanh Hoa Campus. She is particularly interested in improving medical education and research. She desires to create an environment where women can freely express their thoughts and opinions. She’s also passionate about equity and equality, and mental healthcare.