Exploring the perceived impact and influence of women leaders across sub-Saharan Africa on health policy and gender equity.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Women make up a significant portion of the global health workforce but are under-represented in leadership roles. In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), 70% of the health workforce is women, yet only 38% hold leadership positions in health ministries. This gap can lead to gender biases in health research and policymaking, perpetuating systemic gender biases. Despite these barriers, women leaders are making an impact globally. However, evidence of their impact is lacking.

Methods

We conducted an explanatory sequential mixed-methods study to identify perceptions of women leaders' influence and impact within the fields of reproductive, maternal, child and adolescent health and nutrition and immunisation across SSA. The study included a multicountry online survey with men and

SUBMITTER: Kalbarczyk A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12716510 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature