Submission ID 118200
| Issue/Objective | According to a WHO report in 2023, Gender equality in global health leadership remains a critical, yet often unrealized, goal, particularly within Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs). The objective of the abstract is to synthesize and critically analyze existing literature on the barriers and opportunities for women advancing into leadership positions within the global health sector in LMICs. |
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| Methodology/Approach | This scoping review utilized the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology to systematically map and synthesize literature on women's leadership in global health within LMICs. A comprehensive search was conducted across databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science) and grey literature sources (WHO, UN Women, Canadian global health reports). Articles from 2000 to 2024 were included based on key themes such as gender equality, women, LMICs, leadership, Canada global health, barriers, and opportunities. Data extraction focused on study design, context, barriers, opportunities, and interventions, with findings synthesized through thematic analysis. |
| Results | The review identified key barriers to women's leadership in global health, including systemic gender bias, limited education and professional development, cultural norms, lack of mentorship, and inadequate work-life balance policies disproportionate caregiving responsibilities on women while lacking flexible work arrangements, parental leave, and childcare support. Rigid schedules and extensive travel demand further limit their career advancement. Opportunities for advancement included targeted leadership training, supportive networks, male allyship, improved gender data monitoring and gender-sensitive policies ensuring equal pay and promotions, preventing workplace discrimination and harassment, providing leadership training, implementing gender quotas, and accommodating parental responsibilities. Lessons learned highlighted the importance of integrating gender analysis in program design, supporting local women's leadership, providing flexible mentorship, advocating for policy changes, and establishing strong monitoring frameworks to ensure accountability and progress. |
| Discussion/Conclusion | This review highlights major barriers to women's leadership in global health in LMICs, such as gender bias, limited opportunities, and inadequate policies, while identifying key opportunities like leadership training and gender-sensitive support systems. It underscores the importance of gender-transformative approaches to create inclusive leadership. The findings are significant for guiding global health stakeholders toward equitable practices. Future efforts should focus on policy reform, accountability, and sustainable strategies to strengthen gender equity and improve health leadership systems worldwide. |
| Presenters and affiliations | Adedamola Bafuwa Africa Hub for Innovation and Development Adedamola Bafuwa Africa Hub for Innovation and Development Kunle Kakanfo Africa Hub for Innovation and Development Hafsah Abdulsalaam Africa Hub for Innovation and Development Abdulmuminu Isah Africa Hub for Innovation and Development Oyintofe Oduyingbo Africa Hub for Innovation and Development Mukhtar Ijaiya Africa Hub for Innovation and Development |
