A woman’s role in health leadership: an assessment of experiences during acute public health emergencies
10.5365/wpsar.2024.15.5.1303
- Author:
He Bai
1
;
Jocelyn J Herstein
1
;
Peta-Anne Zimmerman
2
;
Meru Sheel
3
;
Renée Christensen
4
;
Jocelyne M Basseal
5
;
Sharon Salmon
6
Author Information
1. College of Public Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
2. School of Nursing and Midwifery, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia; Infection Control Department, Gold Coast Health, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia; Collaborative for the Advancement of Infection Prevention and Control, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
3. School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Sydney Infectious Diseases Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Women in Global Health Australia, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
4. World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
5. Sydney Infectious Diseases Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
6. UNSW Medicine & Health, School of Population Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; World Health Organization Regional Office for the Western Pacific, Manila, Philippines
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
emergency response;
leadership;
women;
public health;
global health;
global outbreak alert and response network;
western pacific
- From:
Western Pacific Surveillance and Response
2024;15(5):35-47
- CountryWHO-WPRO
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Objective: We explored the experiences of women in senior or leadership roles in navigating and leading during acute public health emergencies.
Methods: Women leaders in the World Health Organization Western Pacific Region attending the Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network’s Outbreak Response Leadership Training (11–18 September 2024) were invited to participate in this phenomenological study. Eleven interviews were conducted with training attendees and observational data were gathered. Inductive thematic analysis was conducted to identify key themes.
Results: Four themes associated with women-centric experiences in public health emergency response were identified: disproportionate expectations in the workplace; the use of authoritarian decision-making during planning and implementation; encompassing different perspectives and leadership styles compared to men; and requesting additional opportunities and equitable prospects for career growth. Four themes that reflect non-gender-exclusive challenges experienced during emergency responses were also detailed. Themes observed were related to: barriers to efficiency; consequences of working within this field; and needs and necessities during emergency response.
Discussion: This study highlights both gender-specific and systemic challenges experienced by women leaders in public health emergency responses, revealing how sociocultural norms and operational barriers intersect during times of crisis. We identified opportunities to assist women leaders through the recognition and promotion of different leadership styles, establishing a support network for women, and addressing systemic and organizational barriers that impact women.
- Full text:2025122213435707384wpsar-15-1303 Bai FINAL.pdf
