WHO EB 156 Reflections
21 February 2025
From India and Saudi Arabia to the WHO Executive Board: our diversity is our strength
Attending the World Health Organization (WHO) Executive Board for the first time was both exhilarating and uniquely transformative for us, as two women from India and Saudi Arabia. As we made our way to Geneva, we were not new to global health, having already spent years advocating for marginalized communities and championing gender equality. However, our participation in this important decision-making space marked an exciting intersection of empowerment, exchange, and a shared drive to impact global health policy.
A Powerful First Encounter
Like all multilateral fora, the WHO Executive Board (EB) is known for its complex nature, involving intricate diplomatic discussions that shape global health policies. For Shubha, a passionate advocate for marginalized communities from the Himalayan state of India, and Najd, an experienced gender-responsive policy advocate from Saudi Arabia, it was a first opportunity to witness global health diplomacy firsthand. Shubha is a medical doctor and global health consultant with a focus on promoting health equity for individuals with disabilities and empowering women in leadership roles. In her role as the Advocacy Advisor for Women in Global Health (WGH), she works to challenge power dynamics and privilege to drive progress in gender equality within global health. Najd is an advocate for women’s health and empowerment, who has experience working as a human rights lawyer to address systemic barriers for women in the Middle East using her knowledge of human rights law and national laws in the region. As part of the WGH movement building team, she aims to use her legal and analytical skills to advocate for women’s rights in global health.
Participating in the WHO Executive Board for the first time was an exciting and unique experience. The energy in the room was unmistakable, and as many other participants recognised, this session did not feel ordinary. The withdrawal of the US and Argentina, among other global health issues, were certainly not taken lightly by delegates. The room designated for Non-State Actors (NSA) was notably quiet, with attendees carefully following the discussions. To thoroughly understand the dynamics of the Executive Board, one must dedicate time to extensive preparation—pre-reading materials, contextual understanding, and a deep knowledge of global health diplomacy and multilateral processes. It’s an experience that prompts deep reflection.
A Shared Commitment to Gender Equity and Global Health
Shubha possesses a profound understanding of the healthcare challenges faced by India’s diverse population, with a particular emphasis on advocating for the rights and inclusion of individuals with disabilities. Her extensive experience working with vulnerable communities gave her a distinctive perspective on global health discussions. Her participation in the Global Disability Summit pre-summit further strengthened her dedication to advocating for inclusive health policies. As she sat in the EB meeting, Shubha reflected on the importance of ensuring that these marginalized groups have a voice in shaping the global health agenda.
Najd has worked across various regions in the MENA area, from supporting Syrian refugees with legal aid to advising UN agencies on gender-responsive policies and helping build capacity for governments to implement gender-sensitive national policies. Najd was eager to observe how WHO Executive Board members prioritize gender equity when addressing the ongoing health crises, recognizing that these crises have gendered impacts and require a tailored approach to effectively address them.
Both Shubha and Najd noted that more representation from organizations predominantly based in the Global South participating as non-state actors would be a very good thing. “ I felt inspired to see a large number of women representing state delegations and some states mentioned the impact of current health issues on women, however, I wished the language that the member states used were more gender responsive overall. It was positive to see an agenda item focused on WHO Global Strategy for Women, Children, and adolescence. Hopefully this strategy will pave the way for more gender responsive global and national policies.” Najd remarked.
Looking Forward: We All Play a Part in Change
In the current global health landscape, deeply affected by withdrawals from multilateralism and greatly diminishing aid assistance, no one can afford to stand by and do nothing. We made our point clear in Women in Global Health’s statement calling for member state actions to tackle the likely devastating impacts for health workers, for health systems and for each and everyone of us out there who depend on them to stay healthy and well.
“Non-state actors at the WHO must continue to play a critical role, contributing both collectively and individually,” Shubha said. “Representation from both the Global South and the Global North is essential to ensure a diverse and equitable approach to global health challenges.”
Our experience at the WHO Executive Board represents much more than just a career milestone. For us, this is only the beginning. Our participation has propelled us forward as catalysts for change—empowered, united, and driven by a shared vision to make the world a healthier and more equitable place for all. As we continue our advocacy work, we are carrying with us the belief that meaningful change can only occur when voices from every corner of the globe are heard and respected. The strength lies in unity, and together, we are helping to shape the future of global health.
