Increasing women’s role in leadership in global health

AUTHOR : DR. SHRUTI

All around the globe, women face premature death, beats the disease burden due to gender inequalities, this reflects the discrimination to nutrition, education, and health. Women, being the pillar of society, stand round the clock improving the health condition of their families and communities around the globe. Still, they haven’t been given any right to fulfill their desires. In this 21^st century, where we all are working together to achieve UHC (Universal Health Coverage), one should also focus on SDG (Sustainable Development Goal) no. 3 which states “Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages” and no.5 which states “Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls”.

When there exist disparities in the basic services, it is not surprising to see the women facing discrimination in the formal sector also. Most high authority positions are held by men only and not women which in itself is a big hindrance towards women’s health issues. It is an important step to be taken worldwide as women leaders support health facilities, ANC (Antenatal Care), immunization, maternal nutrition, adolescent health as being in the shoes of the sufferer only things can be felt. Many past studies have shown the neglect caused by gender discrimination with regard to even her birth to her upbringing, education, nutrition, employment and, other opportunities. Addressing this step will bring major changes to a woman’s life. 

Global Health

The term “Global Health” is a very vast and broad term that has many skills contained in it such as physical health, leadership, cultural understanding, team-work, etc. Here a woman lacks the opportunities both in the formal and informal sectors. As the ladder of career comes in one’s life, the percentage of women drastically decreases as gender inequality plays a major role.

There are few obstacles that exists in every women’s life both in urban/rural or rich /poor settings-

1. Health and Nutrition
2. Gender inequality for career inclination
3. Career vs. Family
4. Safety

Health and Nutrition – Gender inequality is a risk factor for the female population. Pregnant women are at higher risk of infection due to poor prenatal, antenatal, postnatal care and less number of institutional deliveries.

Gender inequality for career inclination – Female faces discrimination at work; it is more frequent at rural or poor settings. Men are given priority for high authority positions, getting more salary whereas women are always that she can’t handle high posts as she can’t work for more hours/night hours. Women get less promotion due to the same. Finance is also one of the hindrances for the women’s career as family supports and is willing to spend money on males rather than on female’s education. They are not allowed to pursue higher education as per their choice.

Career vs Family – There comes a most critical stage in every woman’s life where on one side she has her family and on the other side is her career, ambitions. They are left in a position to choose between both which causes mental stress. Being well educated on one side and having the desire to keep family intact on the other side, always a female in dilemma to choose. But a female upbringing is always made to sacrifice, she has been taught throughout life to take care of her family first and keep her desires aside. 

Safety – Due to the increase incidence of sexual violence, women’s safety is a major concern both in the office and domestic sectors. Sexual assaults are increasing which is hampering women’s safety both indoors and outdoors.

Possible solutions to these obstacles are as follows-

1. To strengthen our Education System – Our education system is way more limited for poor or rural settings. Children living in such areas have to travel a lot to study in schools. Government/Investors/Donors should invest more in the health sector or budget. Efficient allocation of the budget for youth , which is the future of our country, will bring desired outcomes.
2. Training – Every woman should be given training for skills such as management, leadership, mentoring, acquiring technical knowledge like a research project, etc. A sufficient grant should be assigned for the same which will provide scholarship to the female and financial constraint will not be a hindrance further.
3. Chance to be a Role Model – Coaches have a big influence on their team members. Students used to follow their coaches in how they work, what strategies they use. Female coaches are very limited, if a female will be given a chance to be a mentor or a coach, it will be a big step towards the change. As they help their mentees to make balance between their career and families. Many organizations give opportunities to women to discuss on big platforms like seminars, conferences, webinars, etc. regarding career management. It is one of the factors that motivates other women to open up.
4. Giving utmost care to Pregnant Ladies – Increasing the tenure of maternity leaves, will give women the freedom to join their office back after their child gets older. Also, it helps reduce post-pregnancy complications. They need to be funded as well.
5. Insurances/Medical Support – Covering women’s health by providing insurance to them and their family members. Apart from health, covering their travel insurance which helps them to travel without any concern.

Increasing women’s participation in global health is a critical and feasible step to take for the betterment of women’s health all around the globe. A small step or investment in this direction will change the recent practice and help to improve the condition, health and state of women worldwide.

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