By Joyce Ojanji
Though the health sector globally is largely driven by women, making up 70 percent of the workforce, they remain drastically underrepresented in leadership.
According to a stakeholder analysis report, only about three out of ten senior leadership positions in global health institutions are held by women. Of these, only five percent of positions are held by women from low- and middle-income countries.
Speaking during the inaugural WomenLift Health East Africa Regional Dialogues, under the theme, Equipped to Lead – Centering Allyship and Gender Equality to Transform Global Health Leadership”, delegates noted the persistent gender gaps in leadership and the impact of systemic biases and harmful sociocultural norms on women’s advancement to senior leadership roles, as well as on countries’ abilities to build resilient, gender-responsive and inclusive health systems.
According to Dr. Zeinab Gura, Deputy Director General for Health in the Ministry of Health, Kenya, the Universal Health Coverage cannot be achieved without ensuring women’s and children’s health.
‘’Health systems function more effectively when women, who deliver much of the health services, are integral to leadership. Women leaders bring diverse perspectives and lived experiences to the ideation, design, and execution of health policies and decisions, “noted Dr Gura.
“As we advance the discussion on allyship, how can we ensure that men are not only aware but also true partners in supporting women to advance in leadership? Allyship is not just about speaking, it’s about listening to women, showing up for the long haul, and moving beyond short-term opportunities. It’s about learning and building trust. There is no “us versus them.” When women lead with men, or men lead with women, the outcomes in our health systems are better,” she added.
In addition, Dr. Norah Obudho, East Africa Director, WomenLift Heath highlighted that health continues to be led by men but delivered by women. True progress toward gender equality and health for all as envisioned by the Sustainable Development Goals and the African Union’s Agenda 2063 will take sustained effort and collective action. This will require the active participation of all allies to build and implement national policies and frameworks that close the gender gap and empower women to lead successfully.
“Leadership matters, and gender equality in health leadership is an imperative to improve global health outcomes. We believe that meaningful allyship can help shift power dynamics and foster more inclusive leadership structures. Whether it’s the commitment of male champions to use their power and influence for good, or the support systems built through female and peer alliances, allyship is crucial in opening doors and creating lasting change,” said Amie Batson, President, WomenLift Health.
According to a stakeholder analysis report released by WomenLift Health early this year, culturally accepted male privilege in leadership, marginalization of minority women, disempowering and non-supportive work environments, stigmatization of women in leadership roles, weak mentorship practices, and a lack of intentionality in supporting women’s health leadership are some of the most significant barriers to women’s leadership in East Africa.
The WomenLift Health East Africa Regional Dialogues advocates for investment in the tools required for women to advance into leadership roles, including access to mentorship, skills training and professional networks alongside workplace policies that support and empower women through equal pay, paid parental leave, flexible schedules and access to career growth opportunities.
With a focus on fostering collaboration, and building networks of allies, we envision a future where innovative leadership approaches can address the complex challenges faced by women in healthcare leadership, increase investment in women’s leadership initiatives and create a strategic community of action to advance gender equality in global health.
Without such investment or action, and at the current rate of progress, it will take 140 years for women to be represented equally in positions of power and leadership in the workplace, and at least 40 years to achieve equal representation in national parliaments.
