Review finds women health sector leaders good for a nation’s wealth, health, innovation, ethics

Women play a crucial role in the health sector, with a significant impact on a nation’s wealth, health, innovation, and ethics. However, despite their positive influence, women leaders are often underutilized, especially in low and middle-income countries. Researchers are calling for increased investment to harness the full potential of women leaders and benefit from their contributions.

Although women make up the majority of the healthcare workforce, they hold only a fraction of leadership positions. Studies have shown that women leaders can bring positive changes to health policies, reduce health inequalities, and drive improvements in various areas. A recent scoping review examined the impact of women’s leadership in organizations, particularly in low and middle-income countries, focusing on global health.

The review identified several areas where women leaders have a positive influence, including financial performance, innovation, engagement with ethical initiatives, health outcomes, organizational culture, and mentorship of other women. Even studies with mixed findings highlighted the overall positive impact of women leaders, especially when supported by factors like education, experience, and collaboration with other women.

Women leaders are believed to exhibit more effective transformational leadership behaviors and use democratic and participative styles, contributing to their success. However, challenges such as biases, discrimination, and patriarchal norms can hinder their impact. Therefore, creating supportive environments and investing in women’s leadership development are essential to maximize their potential.

Dr. Jocalyn Clark, in an editorial accompanying the study, emphasizes the importance of gender equality in global health leadership. She argues that increasing the representation of women in leadership positions can drive transformative change in biased systems. Advocating for diversity and inclusion efforts is crucial, especially in the current context of backlash against rights and equity.

In conclusion, investing in women’s leadership within the health sector can lead to improved outcomes for organizations and their clients. It is not only about empowering individual women but also about creating inclusive organizational cultures that support and retain women leaders. Gender equality in leadership is a shared responsibility that can bring about positive change in healthcare systems worldwide.