New Women Leaders in Global Health Group Works Toward Gender Equal Opportunity in Health & Social Care

by Heather Sebero, U Global Health Programs Manager

Women Leaders in Global Health is a working group created by the University of Utah global health community in 2019 to engage our campus community toward equal opportunity for women in global health leadership. Women Leaders in Global Health hosts events that advocates for gender-transformative policy and action.

Global health is most often delivered by women and led by men. Today women account for 70 percent of the health and social care workforce and deliver care to around 5 billion people. However, only 25 percent of senior roles are held by women. Women remain largely segregated into lower-status and lower-paid jobs in health and are subject to discrimination. A more equitable global health workforce will result in improved health systems, quality of care, and ultimately, health and wellbeing for people worldwide.

During Women Leaders in Global Health events, participants hear from distinguished global health leaders from around the globe. Through stimulating presentations and active engagement, Women Leaders in Global Health encourages participants to pursue leadership roles in global health.

Women Leaders in Global Health is made up of faculty and staff from across the University of Utah. Our past presenters have included the executive director and co-founder of Women in Global Health and a global health leader who has spent over 20 years working in conflict environments. For Women’s History Month, we screened the film Laila at the Bridge and hosted a discussion with local addiction specialists. We’re currently planning our next round of events. Follow @globaluofu on Instagram so you don’t miss upcoming programming.

If you’d like to play a part in this important work, please email heather.sebero@utah.edu.

To learn more about Women in Global Health, and Global Health 50/50.