Strengthening Women’s Leadership in International Health

This article was exclusively written for The European Sting by Ms. Nasirova Khavar, a 3rd year student at Azerbaijan Medical University,Baku. 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.

Unfortunately, in many fields of work today, concepts such as “women’s work” and “men’s work” exist. The professions in which women work more frequently vary from country to country, but other factors such as management system, culture, and religion also play a big role. However, the common denominator of countries is that women work in low-paid jobs. In the health sector, more men work in high-paying medical jobs, and more women work in low-paid nursing jobs. In many countries, even if women work in high-paying fields, they also have to undertake important duties such as child care and housework. This affects them negatively, physically and emotionally, and is reflected in their work. In order for women to have a better status and to reflect on job opportunities, these burdens need to be shared.

Only 7% of medical students admitted in 1960 were women, and before the mid-19^th century, medical schools barred women entirely.As the healthcare environment continues to evolve, female leaders are taking on an increasingly indispensable role in healthcare. Their unique perspectives and unwavering dedication are driving transformative change by addressing critical issues and promoting inclusive, patient-centered approaches. Although healthcare is a prominent industry for women, the number of women in leadership roles lags far behind men. According to a 2022 article published in Forbes, only 25 percent of leadership positions in the healthcare industry are still held by women. Academic studies clearly show that women in business demonstrate higher levels of altruism and empathy than their male counterparts. Women contribute to the well-being of patients, clinicians, and colleagues with significant experience and well-established policies. Florence Nightingale, Lillian Wald, Rosalyn Yalow, and many others have proven once again that women are indispensable for health. 

“If women’s equal participation in health is realized, a 22% increase in global human capital wealth is estimated,” the authors write.  “There are individuals with a “leadership spirit” among women, just like men. Every woman has the ability to lead and protect women. In order to strengthen women’s leadership, it is necessary to change the opinion of the people around them that “men are stronger leaders.”  Women’s success in the field of health can achieve this.  But changing people’s minds is not a short-term process.

About the author

Nasirova Khavar is a 3rd year student at Azerbaijan Medical University,Baku.She is taking firm steps towards realizing her childhood dream.Inspired by the successful women who were once her idols, she wants to do the same for young children.