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Published on 2024-04-07 14:40:53
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has highlighted the pressing need for a systematic shift to address gender disparities in leadership roles within the healthcare sector. Matshidiso Moeti, the WHO Regional Director for Africa, emphasized this necessity in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on the sidelines of the WomenLift Health Global Conference 2024, currently taking place in Tanzania.
The conference is themed “Reimaging Leadership: New Approaches to New Challenges” and aims to spotlight transformative leadership, allyship, and action in advancing women’s leadership in global health. Moeti stressed the critical importance of enacting policies, programs, and human resource practices to empower women to assume leadership positions to promote gender equality and leverage the effectiveness of diverse leadership.
She expressed disappointment that despite women constituting 70% of the paid health workforce, leadership roles remained predominantly held by men. Moeti advocated for policies that acknowledge and support the crucial role women play in healthcare, social dynamics, and the workforce, particularly in leadership capacities. She also underlined the need to address gender disparities in research opportunities and leadership roles to promote inclusivity and harness the talent and expertise required to achieve collective objectives.
Moeti highlighted the significance of collaborative efforts and initiatives such as the Mwele Malichela Mentorship Programme for Women in Neglected Tropical Diseases at WHO to empower women and nurture future leaders in global health. Moreover, she stressed the importance of initiatives focused on diversifying recruitment within WHO, including the UN Volunteers Programme.
The WHO official emphasized the need to create pathways for the career advancement of young professionals, especially women, within the organization through clear policies, supportive environments, and opportunities for growth. She also underscored the value of celebrating the accomplishments of young women and enhancing their visibility within the organization to motivate their continuous development and success.
The ongoing conference aims to explore innovative strategies to promote gender equality and enhance women’s leadership in global health. Participants will engage in discussions and workshops geared towards advancing women’s leadership and gender equality in the healthcare sector. The event is expected to be a pivotal milestone in the journey towards achieving gender equality in health leadership.
In conclusion, the WHO’s call for systemic change to address gender disparities in healthcare leadership underscores the importance of creating inclusive environments that empower women to assume leadership positions and contribute their valuable perspectives and expertise to the field. By promoting gender equality and women’s leadership in global health, we can strive towards a more equitable and effective healthcare system that benefits all.
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