On International Women’s Day, let’s ask: “What do we lose #WithoutThisWoman”?
Women make up the majority of our global health workforce, but few are in leadership roles. It’s time to close the glaring gender gap across leadership positions in health.
Each year on March 8, the world celebrates International Women’s Day (IWD) — a day to honor the achievements of women, our history of tenaciously challenging gender bias, and our collective efforts to demand a seat at the table.
This year, IWD’s theme is #BalanceforBetter, as we’re at a moment in history when we’re called to do everything possible to forge a more gender-balanced world. And we at Global Health Corps are very much here for that.
In honor of IWD 2019, GHC is thrilled to launch a special, month-long #WithoutThisWoman campaign to celebrate the women in our community and drive momentum towards achieving gender parity.
Where would you be #WithoutThisWoman?
Our commitment to developing a new generation of leaders to transform health systems requires us to reckon with the persistent stark gender gap at the highest levels of global health leadership. That’s why we’re launching the #WithoutThisWoman campaign.
Women hold a minority of health leadership positions globally. Yet, 75–80% of trainees, health workers, and faculty interested in global health are women. We’re proud that 71% of our global community is comprised of female-identifying individuals, and we’re dedicating this month to celebrating their strengths, resilience, ambitions, and overall kick-ass existence — all while amplifying their voices on our platforms.
On IWD, show up for women.
The most powerful movements start with real people and real connections. That’s what makes #WithouthThisWoman so special — our #nextgen community of leaders in health is leading the charge this IWD. From sharing stories about how a fellow impacted her co-fellow’s own leadership development to shout-outs about women who inspire us to laugh, think deeply, and embrace vulnerability, there’s a place for everyone in the fight for a more equitable world.
And that includes you! Do you know an incredible woman working in health who has impacted your career, wellbeing, or life in some way? Show her some ❤️ this IWD. Here’s how:
- Think about what makes her special and how she’s impacted your life and/or the lives of others. Finish this sentence: “#WithoutThisWoman, __________________________.”
- Share it on social media! Use #WithoutThisWoman, and be sure to tag @ghcorps on Twitter, Global Health Corps on Facebook, or @globalhealthcorps on Instagram!
#WithoutThisWoman, there’s no balance.
Healthcare and health outcomes improve when more women are in leadership positions. While we celebrate our collective accomplishments on IWD, we’re also reflecting critically on the losses we take when women are systemically excluded from positions at the helm of organizations.
Throughout the month of March, we invite you to join this conversation online and in real life. If you need inspiration, check out a handful of moving, honest, forward-thinking posts on gender (in)equity — from our female-identifying community members here on AMPLIFY:
- Pushing Beyond the Data: How to Make a Real Impact for Women and Girls by Sruthi Chandrasekaran (U.S., 2014–2015)
- Sex, HIV, and the African Black Girl by Constancia Mavodza (U.S., 2017–2018)
- Who Run the World? by Elizabeth Wetzel (Malawi, 2016–2017)
- Sexual Abuse & Culture: The Plight of Girls in Karamoja by Edith Tendo (Uganda, 2016–2017)
- Health Equity is Gender Equity by Leah Goldmann (Uganda, 2017–2018)
- Why Women? by Rachel Carroll (Rwanda, 2017–2018)
Global Health Corps (GHC) is a leadership development organization building the next generation of health equity leaders around the world. All GHC fellows, partners, and supporters are united in a common belief: health is a human right. There is a role for everyone in the movement for health equity. To learn more, visit our website and connect with us on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook.
