Women in Global Health Kenya: Gender Responsive Health Systems as Key to UHC

12 December 2024

“We commit to a Future led by HER: Health, Equity, Rights,” said Dr. Ruth Mbugua of the Women in Global Health Chapter in Kenya, representing the women-led movement at the United Nations Civil Society Conference (UNCSC) in Nairobi in May 2024. “A future that is healthy and equitable, where women and girls have the right to bodily autonomy.” WGH Kenya is committed to playing its own role. Established in 2022, the chapter has 130 members, advocating for gender equality and health workforce issues are prioritized in UHC discussions. 

Progress in Kenya

Kenya has taken some steps towards addressing gender disparities in health. This reflects a recognition of the importance of gender considerations in creating a more equitable health system. Kenya’s National Policy on Gender and Development, promotes women’s health access, and the draft Health Sector Gender and Equality Policy aims for equitable healthcare utilization and outcomes. The ongoing Gendered Health Pathways Project further highlights Kenya’s commitment to identifying and dismantling gender biases within the health system.

WGH Kenya has been actively working along multiple fronts, with focus on integrating gender-responsive approaches within the national health systems. In April 2023, WGH Kenya launched the UHC in-country project, and contributed to the WGH She Shapes: The State of Women and Leadership in Global Health report, engaging with stakeholders from government and civil society on an ongoing basis. 

Developing and Disseminating National Priorities

In February 2023, WGH Kenya, in consultation with the Kenya UHC secretariat, held multiple discussions to craft messages on UHC and gender equality. These messages were then disseminated amongst the 47 county health ministers with the support of the UHC secretariat. Key messages on UHC drafted to advance advocacy in the lead up to the High-Level Meeting were also disseminated at the Kenya Healthcare Students Summit (KEHSS)  and the National High-Level Dialogue on Health Financing in 2023. 

Engaging National Leaders

Throughout 2023, WGH Kenya also collaborated with the Kenya Ministry of Health to engage all 47 counties on UHC and gender equality. This initiative included speaking opportunities at coordination meetings with county ministers of health in Machakos, Eldoret, and Embu. The groundwork laid in these meetings is expected to open doors for future policy and training support requests from counties on designing and implementing gender-responsive policies. 

Engaging with High-Level Political Fora

WGH Kenya took part in the the 76th and 77th World Health Assembly in Geneva, highlighting the need to develop policies that take into consideration the gendered aspects of health, particularly within the health workforce, where 67% of workers are women, but only 25% hold leadership positions. 

Recently at the 78th United Nations General Assembly, WGH Kenya representative Dr. Marie-Claire Wangari delivered a statement at the High-Level Meeting on Pandemic Preparedness, Response, and Recovery, emphasizing the need for gender-responsive policies that provide health workers with a safe and decent working environment.

Impact and call to action

The continuous advocacy by WGH Kenya has contributed to raising the awareness of  county health leadership of the need to prioritize gender equity in health as a precondition of achieving UHC. This shift is evident in the new policies supporting UHC enacted by the Kenyan government.

Through our initiatives, in-country advocacy, partnerships with organizations like Amref and Kenya Medical Association, and raising our voices at international fora like the UN Civil Society Conference, WGH Kenya is doing its bit to contribute to the global movement for UHC, promoting gender equality within the health workforce and ensuring that women’s health and leadership are at the forefront of health policy and practice in Kenya.

As Dr Susan Mambo urged, representing WGH Kenya at the 77th World Health Assembly: 

“We need to focus on strengthening health systems that are responsive to gender aspects.” 

Dr. Susan Mambo’s call to action at the 77th World Health Assembly underscores the critical need for policymakers to prioritize the integration of gender considerations into health system strengthening. By recognizing that health systems must be responsive to the diverse needs of all genders, policymakers can ensure that services are equitable, accessible, and tailored to address the unique health challenges faced by different populations. This approach not only enhances the overall effectiveness of health systems but also promotes inclusive health policies that can lead to improved health outcomes for women, men, and marginalized communities alike. A gender-responsive health system is essential for fostering resilience and adaptability, particularly in the face of public health emergencies and shifting demographic trends.

To achieve this vision, policymakers must adopt a multi-faceted strategy that includes collecting and analysing disaggregated health data, implementing gender-sensitive health programs, and allocating resources to support initiatives that address gender-based health disparities. Furthermore, engaging stakeholders, including women’s health advocates and community organizations, in the decision-making process can help ensure that policies reflect the real needs and experiences of those they aim to serve. This commitment by policymakers will create a more equitable health landscape that not only improves individual health outcomes but also strengthens the overall health system, paving the way for sustainable development and enhanced well-being for all.