Exploring gender equality in the health workforce: A study in Uganda and Somalia

Abstract

A Gender Study commissioned by THET in 2017 found that gender inequity is widely recognised as an obstacle for women working in the health sector in LMICs. The study identified three key issues: Discrimination against women, including hierarchical barriers with regards to promotion and opportunities for training and advancement. Stereotyping of the type of activities women should undertake, for instance, patients will often mistake female doctors for nurses or prefer being seen by a male doctor. Imbalances in the proportion of men and women in jobs. i.e men as doctors and senior administrators and women as domestic staff, secretaries and nurses.

Led by gender advocates and researchers in Uganda and Somaliland, this report reflects and expands upon the 2017 study, investigating and renewing our understanding of the gendered context in which we are working, aiming to bridge gaps in knowledge and ensure our work is delivering relevant responses to local problems.

The first section of this report presents key messages, critical questions and emerging recommendations drawn from an initial gender study commissioned by THET in 2017, and from wider literature on gender equality in the health workforce in LMICs.

The report then highlights gender-relevant contextual information on Uganda and Somaliland. The main body of the report explores the key findings of the research accompanied by a series of emerging recommendations intended to form the basis for further discussion and to inform the development of workable gender transformative tools and resources.