IWD 2021: Time to challenge gender discrimination in global health

However, we have also seen great progress. Women’s achievements and vision have played and continue to play a crucial role in global health. Slowly but surely, those in power are being held accountable, knowledge on gender is being more widely disseminated, policies are being implemented and we now know from the WHO that women’s representation in the most highly paid health occupations has been improving steadily since 2000.

Tamar Ghosh, RSTMH Chief Executive said:

"As well as those at the forefront of innovations we must also acknowledge the millions of women who are working daily in roles to improve health such as in medicine, nursing, community health work, mental health and well-being and those who are caring for family members and their communities throughout the pandemic. We know that the burden of care in global health falls mainly on women, both formally and informally in family and community settings and we send them our thanks and support.”

She provided great insight on women in the sciences and ideas on how to challenge gender discrimination: 

Promotion and advocacy 

“Early-career women scientists might be motivated to perform better when they consider that other women have succeeded in the same paths. Their success stories challenge us never to give up."  

Women researchers and academics should have their successes more widely promoted. We must challenge traditionally male-dominated sectors, such as STEM, and push forward innovative and motivated women.  

We need to educate women and girls on existing female actors. Greater visibility will create more female leads, and more gender-diverse role models will drive future generations to achieve similar goals and success. 

Gender equality is not only a basic human right, but its achievement has enormous ramifications. Empowering women fuels new ideas, productivity and growth. We simply cannot solve the current global health problems without increasing and supporting a space for greater diversity within the sector.  

Fighting stereotypes 

“... Be undaunted and unrelenting... reject the stereotype views that a woman cannot achieve or reach the zenith of her career because she is a woman.”  

Gender stereotypes in health, and more generally, have far-reaching societal influence and effect to the lives of both, women and men. They limit people’s freedom and choices. Leading to discrimination, damaging progress and causing unnecessary harm. We all must challenge the set of ideas we are told about women and men, and their part in health systems.  

Women leaders 

“Encourage women to aspire towards leadership and research.” 

We must continue encouraging women and girls to aim for the top positions. Only with balanced representation can real change be made for all.