The Role of Women Leaders in Shaping Sustainable Health Systems

Women make up 70% of the global health workforce but hold only 25% of leadership roles (WHO, 2019). Yet evidence shows that women leaders are uniquely positioned to advance equitable, resilient, and sustainable health systems. From grassroots mobilization to global governance, women’s leadership transforms outcomes.

1. Women Bring Community-Centered Perspectives: Women leaders often emphasize access, dignity, and prevention—issues directly impacting families. Research from The Lancet (2019) shows women-led health programs are more likely to integrate maternal, child, and community health services sustainably.

2. Leading with Empathy & Inclusivity: My experience at White Oak Medical Centre, where most staff were women, proved that empathetic, inclusive leadership fosters patient trust and team motivation. Women leaders frequently adopt collaborative approaches that strengthen resilience in crises.

3. Breaking Structural Barriers: Despite their contributions, women face systemic barriers in advancing to leadership. Addressing this requires policy change, mentorship pipelines, and organizational cultures that value gender equity. Programs like WomenLift Health are already creating pathways.

4. Driving Global Health Agendas: From Dr. Matshidiso Moeti (WHO Africa Regional Director) to grassroots innovators, women leaders are shaping global health priorities—from universal health coverage to pandemic preparedness. Their leadership links policy to community needs, ensuring sustainable systems.

5. Future Outlook: To build sustainable health systems, gender equity in leadership must be non-negotiable. This is not just a moral imperative—it’s a systems-strengthening strategy.

Investing in women leaders ensures health systems are equitable, resilient, and responsive. The future of global health sustainability rests on creating space for women at every level of decision-making.

References

• WHO. (2019). Delivered by Women, Led by Men: Gender and the Global Health Workforce.

• The Lancet. (2019). Advancing Women in Science, Medicine, and Global Health.

• WomenLift Health. (2023). Leadership Programs Overview.