UNGA’s gender equity agenda: a pivotal year for the health workforce

As the world converges on the 78th United Nations General Assembly, the year 2023 takes center stage in the realm of global health. A trifecta of High-Level Meetings focusing on Universal Health Coverage (UHC), Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness, Response, and Recovery (PPRR), and Tuberculosis marks a critical juncture. Central to this discussion is the safeguarding of the health workforce, with women constituting 70% of its foundation. While the Political Declaration on UHC (2019) and the evolving pandemic instrument acknowledge this, member states must endorse and amplify their support for the health workforce’s critical role in ensuring health systems’ resilience as implementation comes to the fore.

In 2021, the Government of France and Women in Global Health initiated the Gender Equal Health and Care Workforce Initiative (GEHCWI) to combat gender disparities in the health and care sector. Over 18 countries and 30+ multilateral and nonprofit organizations have united under the GEHCWI banner, with four pivotal pillars guiding their mission: enhancing women’s leadership in health, recognizing unpaid care contributions and achieving pay parity, safeguarding women healthcare workers against workplace violence, and ensuring optimal working conditions globally.

This in-person event aims to showcase the pillars of the initiative, fostering discussions among member states, multilateral organizations, and NGOs on the crucial role of gender equity in the health workforce. By delving into the language surrounding health workforce aspects within UHC and PPPR political declarations, the event strives to lay out actionable steps for advancing global, regional, and national gender equity in the healthcare sector. Join us to contribute to these vital conversations and pave the way for a more inclusive and resilient future for the health workforce.

We regret to inform you that registration for the event is now closed. We have reached full capacity for this event, and unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate any more participants.

However, you can still join the conversation and follow the live discussion on social media using the hashtag #GenderEqualHCW. We encourage you to engage with us and fellow attendees, share your thoughts, and stay connected with the event’s insights and updates.