While women make up half of the global population, they remain under-represented in leadership positions.
According to statistics from the National Strategy to Achieve Gender Equality in Australia, staggering disparities exist in chief executive and key management roles.
In the healthcare sector, only 39.4 per cent of doctors are women, and females represent only 15 per cent of practising surgeons.
The gender gap in health care is not just a statistical issue; it has been proven to have detrimental consequences for female patients.
Historically, a lack of female representation in medical research has created knowledge gaps, impacting the understanding of female, intersex and trans health compared to male health.
The consequences of this knowledge gap lead to delayed diagnoses, inadequate symptom management and a higher risk of harm to patients, illustrated by higher female mortality rates in conditions such as heart attacks, for instance, due to misconceptions.
Recognising the urgency to address gender disparities in healthcare leadership, the Fred Hollows Foundation and Monash University’s Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation designed a program to support 15 women in health leadership roles from Southeast Asia to help them overcome barriers.
Hailing from Cambodia, Lao PDR, Vietnam, Myanmar and Thailand, the selected leaders represent various health industries, including clinicians and university lecturers.
Funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs, the program saw the selected fellows participate in Monash University’s Advancing Women in Healthcare Leadership program.
They recently met with Health and Aged Care Assistant Minister Ged Kearney in Canberra to discuss policy design.
Professor Helena Teede, a specialist in women’s health and equity at Monash University, highlighted the significant impact the program could have.
“A lack of women in leadership contributes globally to women and girls facing greater difficulties accessing health care,” she said.
“There is a need for greater equity and diversity in healthcare leadership because it leads to more equitable health, social justice and healthcare outcomes for women.
“This government-funded program allows us to share that commitment and leadership effort.”
The program offers a six-month curriculum to 15 female health leaders from Southeast Asia, encompassing knowledge-sharing, leadership development, workshops, training and networking opportunities.
It includes online sessions and a two-week visit to Australia, culminating in a gathering in Bangkok.
This unique structure enables participants to apply what they learn in their workplaces and share experiences with colleagues and students.
The program actively promotes collaboration and facilitates the exchange of insights regarding each other’s challenges.
Fred Hollows Foundation project lead Nicole Murphy highlighted the significance of equitable leadership teams for improved health outcomes and community representation.
“More equitable leadership teams create better health outcomes,” she said.
“Giving platforms to different voices within the community directly impacts how the community is being represented.”
Ms Murphy expressed the hope of expanding such programs within the participating countries themselves to ensure broader accessibility and bridge more gaps within disadvantaged communities.
Doctor Chan Leakhena, the director of the Rodolphe Mérieux Laboratory of Phnom Penh in Cambodia, highlighted the impact this fellowship had.
“Growing up, I faced a lot of gender discrimination, both at work and within my family,” she said.
“It made me feel that women in my country face so many more barriers compared to men.
“Joining this program helped me realise that this problem doesn’t only happen in my country. Women around the world face gender inequality.
“I’m hopeful that the next generation will have more opportunities than us and will not face the same problems.”
Dalasouk Khamlunvilaivong, a lecturer in paediatric nursing in Lao PDR, said she had to adapt her teachings if male students were in her classes. She said she would be thrilled to share what she had learnt with her students upon her return.
Monash University actively collects data to measure the program’s impact, tailoring it based on participant feedback. Clinical credibility emerges as a common challenge, with qualified female medical professionals facing patient distrust due to gender bias.
Gender bias in health care is a global issue necessitating systemic change. The program by the Fred Hollows Foundation and Monash University represents a crucial step towards empowering women in leadership roles, fostering collaboration and ultimately improving healthcare outcomes.