Women are almost 70% of the global health and social workforce but it is estimated they hold only 25% of senior roles. During the COVID19 pandemic women have provided much of the health and care, but have not had an equal say in decision making. This pervasive leadership gap between women and men in health can only be closed by addressing systemic barriers to women’s advancement.
This policy action paper outlines a framework for change across four action areas:
- Building a legal foundation for equality in the workplace;
- Addressing social norms and stereotypes;
- Addressing workplace systems and culture; and
- Enabling women, who are the majority in the health and social care workforce to lead.
World Health Organization, Global Health Workforce Network, & Women in Global Health. (2021). Closing the leadership gap: gender equity and leadership in the global health and care workforce.
