What are the challenges for women working in global health
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Challenges for Women Working in Global Health
Family Responsibilities and Work-Life Balance
One of the primary challenges faced by women in global health is balancing family responsibilities with professional demands. Women often bear a disproportionate share of household duties, including childcare and eldercare, which can conflict with the demanding schedules of healthcare professions. This dual burden can lead to significant stress and burnout, making it difficult for women to advance in their careers1 8. Flexible work hours, part-time positions, and supportive workplace policies are essential strategies to help women manage these responsibilities effectively1.
Workplace Environment and Gender Bias
The workplace environment in global health is often fraught with gender biases and inequities. Women frequently encounter overt and subtle forms of discrimination, including sexism, harassment, and unequal treatment compared to their male counterparts6. These biases can manifest in various ways, such as women receiving less favorable work assignments, being overlooked for promotions, or facing hostile work environments6. Addressing these issues requires a cultural shift within organizations to promote gender equality and create a more inclusive and supportive workplace6.
Stereotyping and Professional Hierarchies
Stereotyping and entrenched professional hierarchies further hinder women's progress in global health. Women are often pigeonholed into specific roles, such as nursing and midwifery, while leadership and decision-making positions remain predominantly occupied by men2. This segregation limits women's opportunities for career advancement and reinforces gender stereotypes. Breaking down these barriers involves challenging traditional gender roles and promoting women into diverse and leadership positions2.
Lack of Mentorship and Leadership Opportunities
Despite comprising a significant portion of the global health workforce, women are underrepresented in leadership roles. Factors contributing to this disparity include inadequate mentorship, lack of networking opportunities, and systemic barriers that prevent women from advancing to senior positions3 7. Initiatives aimed at empowering women leaders, such as mentorship programs and leadership training, are crucial for addressing these challenges and fostering a more equitable distribution of leadership roles7 9.
Gendered Socio-Cultural Norms and Security Conditions
In fragile and conflict-affected states (FCASs), women face additional challenges due to gendered socio-cultural norms and security conditions. These environments often exacerbate existing gender biases and create unsafe working conditions for women2. Efforts to improve gender equity in these settings must consider the unique pressures and risks faced by women and implement comprehensive strategies to ensure their safety and participation in the health workforce2.
Health and Wellbeing
The health and wellbeing of women in global health are also significant concerns. Women in healthcare often experience higher levels of stress, burnout, and mental health issues due to the demanding nature of their work and the additional pressures of gender discrimination and bias6. Addressing these issues requires a holistic approach that includes mental health support, stress management programs, and policies that promote work-life balance6.
Conclusion
Women working in global health face a myriad of challenges, including balancing family responsibilities, navigating gender biases, overcoming professional hierarchies, and securing leadership opportunities. Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach that includes supportive workplace policies, mentorship programs, and a cultural shift towards gender equality. By implementing these strategies, the global health sector can create a more inclusive and equitable environment that empowers women and enhances their contributions to global health.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Challenges Faced by Female Healthcare Professionals in the Workforce: A Scoping Review
Female healthcare professionals face challenges such as family responsibilities, workplace environment, and stereotypes, which can be supported through flexible work hours, part-time work, and gender equality strategies.
Systematic Review
Rigorous JournalParticipation of women in the health workforce in the fragile and conflict-affected countries: a scoping review
Women's participation in the health workforce in fragile and conflict-affected countries faces challenges and constraints, hindering progress towards achieving gender equality and universal health coverage.
Systematic ReviewWomen leaders in global health.
The Women Leaders in Global Health conference aims to advance women leaders at all levels of global health activity, aiming for 50-50 representation in top leadership positions by 2030.
Rigorous Journal[Women's health--a global challenge].
Women's health is crucial for global health, with a focus on population growth, family planning, HIV, nutrition, and reproductive health care.
Out of the shadows: women in global health leadership
Women in global health face challenges in career entry, career maintenance, and leadership, with gender biases and discrimination hindering their advancement.
Very Rigorous JournalBreaking barriers and building bridges: reimagining a feminist health workforce
A feminist health workforce, addressing systemic inequalities and power imbalances, can improve work, professional development, and personal wellbeing for women and those from ethnic minorities.
More Women Must Lead in Global Health: A Focus on Strategies to Empower Women Leaders and Advance Gender Equality
Greater diversity in global health leadership is essential for diverse perspectives and ideas to inform policies and priorities, but addressing key challenges is crucial for advancing women's leadership and advancing gender equality.
Literature ReviewRigorous JournalAdvancing Women Leaders in Global Health: Getting to Solutions
Barriers to advancement for women leaders in global health include lack of mentorship, balancing work and home, gender bias, and lack of assertiveness/confidence, but a new leadership paradigm valuing diversity of thought and experience can improve outcomes.
Observational StudyStrategies to Improve Women’s Leadership Preparation for Early Career Global Health Professionals: Suggestions from Two Working Groups
Improving individual essential skills and fostering environments that encourage women to advance in global health leadership are crucial for advancing women's leadership in the field.
Observational StudyRigorous JournalOccupational and Environmental Challenges for Women
Women in nontraditional employment face unique challenges due to physiological and biomechanical differences, highlighting the need for risk mitigation strategies.
Try another search
What are the different types of renewable energy sources and their efficiencies?
patient satisfaction
What are the ethical considerations in archaeological research and excavation?
What are the health effects of emerging pollutants and environmental toxins, and how can exposure be minimized?
What are the implications of wearable health technology?
What are the benefits of physical activity?