Strides Taken, Miles to Go: Empowering Women in Global Health Leadership

This article was exclusively written for The European Sting by Ms. Samaa Tarek Hassan, an MBBS student at Mansoura University, Egypt. 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.

“Gender reveal party with a piggybank—smash the bank to reveal the gender. If it’s a boy, there’s a dollar. If a girl, there’s 78 cents.” This tweet, made nearly seven years ago, resonating from social media platforms, underscores a stark reality persisting in society—a pervasive gender gap that extends into crucial domains like global health leadership. Despite women constituting the backbone of the workforce, their representation in leadership roles remains disproportionately low. However, amidst this disparity, significant strides have been made towards empowering women in global health leadership.

Progress on the Climb:

While the journey towards gender parity is ongoing, commendable progress has been achieved. Organizations like WomenLift Health, the UN, and the European Society of Medicine’s “Empowering Women for Leadership in Global Health” program actively cultivate a new generation of female leaders [1] [2] [3]. Research initiatives illuminate the benefits of diverse leadership teams, with studies showcasing their superior performance in decision-making and financial management [4]. These advancements underscore a growing acknowledgment of the value women bring to the forefront of global health leadership.

Emerging Champions:

Women increasingly assume prominent leadership roles, shaping global health policies and interventions. Notable figures like Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, the World Health Organization’s Africa Director, exemplify this trend. Her leadership during the Ebola crisis in West Africa underscored women’s pivotal role in addressing complex health emergencies [5]. These emerging champions inspire future generations and signify dismantling traditional gender barriers.

The Road Ahead:

Despite the strides made, significant challenges persist. Unconscious bias and limited mentorship opportunities continue to impede women’s advancement. Additionally, addressing the “leaky pipeline” phenomenon—where talented women exit the field at various stages—requires attention to issues like work-life balance and access to affordable childcare [6].

Investing in the Future:

Investment in girls’ education and leadership development programs is paramount for cultivating a robust pipeline of future leaders. Moreover, fostering an inclusive culture within organizations is essential. This entails implementing gender-blind recruitment practices, offering tailored mentorship programs for women leaders, and creating supportive work environments accommodating family needs.

Conclusion:

Empowering women in global health leadership transcends mere parity; it’s about unlocking the full potential of a diverse talent pool. While strides have been made, the journey towards a more equitable landscape continues. Through sustained efforts and impactful initiatives, we can dismantle systemic barriers and pave the way for a future where women lead the charge toward a healthier world for all.

References:

1. WomenLift Health. (2023, October 18). WomenLift Health. https://www.womenlifthealth.org/
2. United Nations. (n.d.). Women’s leadership in promoting global health and well-being | United Nations. Retrieved March 27, 2024, from https://www.un.org/en/un-chronicle/women%E2%80%99s-leadership-promoting-global-health-and-well-being 
3. Yount, K., Macler, A., Im, E., McGriff, J., & Sacks, M. (2024). Empowering Women for Leadership in Global Health (EMERGE): Pilot Evaluation Findings. Medical Research Archives, 12(1). https://doi.org/10.18103/mra.v12i1.4931 
4. Eagly, A. H., & Chin, J. L. (2010). Diversity and leadership in a changing world. The American Psychologist, 65(3), 216–224. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0018957 
5. The WHO Regional Director for Africa reports significant contributions to public health in Africa. (n.d.). WHO | Regional Office for Africa. Retrieved March 27, 2024, from https://www.afro.who.int/news/who-regional-director-africa-reports-significant-contributions-public-health-africa
6. Structural change in research institutions: Enhancing excellence, gender equality and efficiency in research and innovation. (n.d.). https://doi.org/10.2777/32045 

About the author

Samaa Tarek Hassan is an MBBS student at Mansoura University, Egypt. Raised within multicultural societies, Samaa’s devotion to addressing taboos grew as she noticed how various controversial topics were shut down instead of discussed. She strives to create an environment where everyone can freely express their thoughts and opinions. She’s also passionate about refugees, equity and equality, access to healthcare and surgery, and research. She finds solace and inspiration in music and writing in her leisure time.