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February 10, 2025
Women leaders in the health sector significantly contribute to a nation’s wealth, health, innovation, and ethical progress, yet remain an underutilized resource, particularly in low and middle-income countries, according to new research published in BMJ Global Health.
Despite making up 70% of the healthcare workforce—and 90% of the nursing and midwifery workforce—women occupy only 25% of leadership positions, highlighting a critical gap in the utilization of their potential. Researchers stress the need for more sustained investment to maximize their contributions and reap the benefits of their leadership.
The study reviewed 137 peer-reviewed research articles to assess the impact of women’s leadership in low and middle-income countries, with a focus on global health. The findings overwhelmingly indicated a positive impact: 119 studies (97%) reported statistically significant improvements due to women’s leadership, while an additional 12 (9%) found positive but statistically insignificant results.
Women leaders were found to positively influence six key areas: financial performance and stability, innovation, ethical and sustainability initiatives, health outcomes, organizational culture and reputation, and the career growth of other women. Even studies reporting mixed results largely indicated positive impacts, particularly when factors such as education, experience, and collaboration with other women were considered.
“What is less clear is why women leaders have this impact, particularly in the face of overt and covert biases, discrimination, harassment, and patriarchal norms,” the researchers noted. They suggest that women’s more effective transformational leadership styles, characterized by democratic and participative decision-making, may be key contributors.
The study emphasizes that women’s leadership success is closely linked to their working environments. Organizations must actively create cultures that promote, support, and retain women in leadership roles to maximize their positive influence. The researchers conclude that increased and sustained investment in women’s leadership within the health sector can lead to improved outcomes for both organizations and the populations they serve.
A related editorial by Dr. Jocalyn Clark, international editor at The BMJ, highlights the urgency of gender equality in leadership, particularly in the face of increasing opposition to diversity and inclusion initiatives. She argues that dismantling men’s dominance in global health leadership is essential for achieving transformative change.
“Change is the responsibility of everyone—not just women. But clearly, appointing more women to leadership positions could drive the systemic changes needed,” Dr. Clark asserts.
The study was funded by the World Bank Group’s Global Financing Facility.
Disclaimer: This article is based on a review published in BMJ Global Health. The findings and opinions presented are those of the researchers and do not necessarily reflect the views of this publication. Readers are encouraged to consult the original study for more detailed insights.
Research Reference: A scoping review on the impact of women’s global leadership: evidence to inform health leadership (BMJ Global Health). DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2024-015982.
