| Issue/Objective |
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and other public health emergencies, scholars have stressed the need for a more effective and equitable global health governance (GHG) system that better integrates feminist thinking. Yet there is a gap in understanding the potential feminist thinking has in GHG. To encourage an evidence-based reform of the GHG system, it is crucial to better understand how feminist theories have been incorporated into academic debates on GHG, including the core ideas that have arisen from this scholarship. |
| Methodology/Approach |
This narrative literature review uses a purposive and iterative search strategy to explore incorporation of feminist theories into scholarship on GHG. Relevant literature has been identified through searching academic (e.g. PubMed, Web of Science and JSTOR) and grey literature (e.g. OpenGrey) databases using search terms relating to feminism and GHG. Using a snowballing approach and search of key authors in the field, additional publications were identified. Publications in English and German were considered, and no time frame limit was applied. The review process was iterative to allow themes to emerge and evolve over time and to better explore shifts and trends in the literature. |
| Results |
Identified studies on feminisms in GHG may not directly refer to feminist theories, but the concepts and ideas explored can be aligned with various feminist theories. For example, GHG literature which addresses the need to shift power dynamics and challenge existing patriarchal hierarchies often build on post-structural feminism. Also, some of the identified research deals with epistemic (in)justice that reflects thinking in decolonial feminism. While there is a focus in some studies on maternal and reproductive health as women's health issues, other studies' - aligned with radical feminist thinking - critique this as reinforcing patriarchal gender norms of women as caregivers. Finally, there remains a lack of engagement with intersectional and trans-inclusive feminist thinking in GHG literature, despite some increase in recent years. |
| Discussion/Conclusion |
To encourage inclusive leadership and governance systems, it is important that GHG research further engages with feminist theories and fosters diverse perspectives. As well as embed feminist learnings into the conceptualization, implementation and evaluation of policies, programmes and studies. |
| Presenters and affiliations |
Lara Hollmann Simon Fraser University |
