Gender equality remain dodgy, says Women Lift Health in Southern Africa

By MONICA KAYOMBO

WOMEN Lift Health Southern Africa Director Akhona Tshangela has expressed concern that despite the staggered universal health coverage and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), there is no progress in achieving gender equality.
Ms Tshangela has called on women to help change the narrative and contribute to altering the status quo.
Speaking on Thursday during the dinner for public health and civil society engagement organized by Women Lift Health in Lusaka, Ms Tshangela emphasized that continued advocacy is crucial to achieving gender equality.
She noted that women’s leadership results in better outcomes, as they are deeply rooted in their communities and understand the necessary actions.
“As Women Lift Health, our primary role is to catalyze systematic change by mobilizing mid-career women into leadership positions. We provide them with the necessary tools and resources to attain these positions,” Ms Tshangela said.
She explained that her organization supports mid-career women in achieving their goals through various trainings and workshops, helping them reach leadership positions.
“We are dedicated to ensuring women’s economic empowerment, which is essential for changing the narrative,” she said.
Ms Tshangela pointed out that Gender-Based Violence (GBV) statistics show that economically empowered women are more likely to overcome challenges, including GBV.
“We urge you to support this initiative and leverage the skills and influence of women in public health care,” she said.
She expressed concern that only 25 percent of women hold leadership positions, despite comprising 70% of the health workforce.
According to McKinsey studies, women possess more attributes of transformational leaders than men.
“Economically empowered women are more likely to give back to their communities when in leadership positions,” Ms Tshangela said.
Women Lift Health, a global organization, offers a signature Leadership program for women in public health to empower them and help them reach their career aspirations.
Ms Tshangela emphasized the need to revise policies related to Sexual Harassment (SH), promotion, and hiring practices, among others.