Speeding up advancements in gender equality in health and science.
The article discusses the progress and challenges faced by women in the fields of health and science. It highlights the significant increase in women's representation in health professions globally since 2000, with nearly half of doctors in OECD countries being women in 2019. Despite these gains, women still face various obstacles in medicine, such as receiving smaller grants, encountering hostile work environments, and dealing with gender pay gaps and under-representation in leadership positions.
Women in medical research often work on inventions related to women's health but face challenges in securing funding for their projects. This lack of resources contributes to the underfunding of products and services in critical areas like menstruation and breastfeeding. Additionally, when health systems fail to retain women physicians, patient outcomes may suffer, as women doctors often spend more time with patients and provide more preventive care.
To address these challenges and accelerate progress towards gender equity, the article suggests implementing structural interventions that increase access to resources and counter existing gender norms and practices. It emphasizes the need for organisations to audit and rectify issues related to resource distribution, promote more women into leadership positions, and invest in sponsorship programs for women to advance their careers.
The article also highlights the importance of addressing cultural issues that contribute to women's attrition and burnout in the healthcare sector, such as the disproportionate burden of unpaid care work at home. It suggests promoting shared parental leave to lessen the burden on women and foster institutional cultures that value caring responsibilities for all genders.
Furthermore, the article discusses the importance of examining potential unintended consequences when designing practices to advance gender equity, such as considering how policies may impact the pay gap or benefit all employees. It also suggests incorporating new benefit provisions like coverage for infertility treatments and child care services to support women in the workplace.
In conclusion, the article asserts that achieving gender equity in health and science requires a multifaceted approach that addresses systemic barriers, promotes diversity and inclusion, and fosters inclusive environments for all individuals to thrive. It emphasizes the need for ongoing innovation in practices and technologies within organizations to break down barriers and create a more equitable future for women in these fields.
Source: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(24)00404-5/fulltext
Women in medical research often work on inventions related to women's health but face challenges in securing funding for their projects. This lack of resources contributes to the underfunding of products and services in critical areas like menstruation and breastfeeding. Additionally, when health systems fail to retain women physicians, patient outcomes may suffer, as women doctors often spend more time with patients and provide more preventive care.
To address these challenges and accelerate progress towards gender equity, the article suggests implementing structural interventions that increase access to resources and counter existing gender norms and practices. It emphasizes the need for organisations to audit and rectify issues related to resource distribution, promote more women into leadership positions, and invest in sponsorship programs for women to advance their careers.
The article also highlights the importance of addressing cultural issues that contribute to women's attrition and burnout in the healthcare sector, such as the disproportionate burden of unpaid care work at home. It suggests promoting shared parental leave to lessen the burden on women and foster institutional cultures that value caring responsibilities for all genders.
Furthermore, the article discusses the importance of examining potential unintended consequences when designing practices to advance gender equity, such as considering how policies may impact the pay gap or benefit all employees. It also suggests incorporating new benefit provisions like coverage for infertility treatments and child care services to support women in the workplace.
In conclusion, the article asserts that achieving gender equity in health and science requires a multifaceted approach that addresses systemic barriers, promotes diversity and inclusion, and fosters inclusive environments for all individuals to thrive. It emphasizes the need for ongoing innovation in practices and technologies within organizations to break down barriers and create a more equitable future for women in these fields.
Source: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(24)00404-5/fulltext
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