Closing the leadership gap: gender equity and leadership in the global health and care workforce

Overview

*UPDATE: 2024 data. According to the National Health Workforce Accounts, women comprise 67.2 per cent of the health workforce globally.

Based on data available in 2021, women comprise almost 70% of the global health and social workforce but it is estimated they hold only 25% of senior roles. During the COVID19 pandemic women have provided much of the health and care, but have not had an equal say in decision making. This pervasive leadership gap between women and men in health can only be closed by addressing systemic barriers to women’s advancement.

This policy action paper outlines a framework for change across four action areas:

1. Building a legal foundation for equality in the workplace;
2. Addressing social norms and stereotypes;
3. Addressing workplace systems and culture; and

Enabling women, who are the majority in the health and social care workforce to lead.
The primary target audience for this Policy Action Paper is national authorities and intersectoral policy-makers from all levels, as well organizational leaders, publishers, media, male allies, and women in the health and care workforce.