We need to accelerate gender equality in healthcare
leadership: Women Lift Health
As the South Asia and Monitoring Learning and Evaluation
Director for Women Lift Health, I have observed that while
healthcare is predominantly staffed by women, only 25% of
women hold leadership positions. Through our study, we have
identified three main barriers that women leaders face:
1. Harmonizing work-life responsibilities: Women often struggle to
balance their work and personal responsibilities.
2. Violence and harassment: Women face gender-based violence and
harassment in male-dominated environments, which hinders their
growth.
3. Lack of mentorship: Women have limited access to mentors and
role models, limiting their opportunities for learning and growth.
In the healthcare sector, there is a significant presence of women
at various levels, including community health workers, nurses,
doctors, and researchers. However, this representation does not
translate into leadership positions. It is crucial to have women's
perspectives and experiences in decision-making processes to
shape effective policies and solutions.
At Women Lift Health, we recognize the importance of addressing
sexual harassment as a significant issue. Despite India's egalitarian
laws, there are still gaps in their implementation. Leaders need to
be equipped with the right tools and frameworks to address sexual
harassment within their teams proactively.
leadership: Women Lift Health
As the South Asia and Monitoring Learning and Evaluation
Director for Women Lift Health, I have observed that while
healthcare is predominantly staffed by women, only 25% of
women hold leadership positions. Through our study, we have
identified three main barriers that women leaders face:
1. Harmonizing work-life responsibilities: Women often struggle to
balance their work and personal responsibilities.
2. Violence and harassment: Women face gender-based violence and
harassment in male-dominated environments, which hinders their
growth.
3. Lack of mentorship: Women have limited access to mentors and
role models, limiting their opportunities for learning and growth.
In the healthcare sector, there is a significant presence of women
at various levels, including community health workers, nurses,
doctors, and researchers. However, this representation does not
translate into leadership positions. It is crucial to have women's
perspectives and experiences in decision-making processes to
shape effective policies and solutions.
At Women Lift Health, we recognize the importance of addressing
sexual harassment as a significant issue. Despite India's egalitarian
laws, there are still gaps in their implementation. Leaders need to
be equipped with the right tools and frameworks to address sexual
harassment within their teams proactively.
