Global perspectives to enhance strategies for advancing women in healthcare and STEMM leadership
Issued Date
2025-01-01
Resource Type
ISSN
08189641
eISSN
14401711
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85216815958
Journal Title
Immunology and Cell Biology
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Immunology and Cell Biology (2025)
Suggested Citation
Borger J.G., Longley R.J., Taylor M.F., Motrich R., Payne J.A.E., Kemp R.A. Global perspectives to enhance strategies for advancing women in healthcare and STEMM leadership. Immunology and Cell Biology (2025). doi:10.1111/imcb.12854 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/20.500.14594/104280
Title
Global perspectives to enhance strategies for advancing women in healthcare and STEMM leadership
Corresponding Author(s)
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
The discourse surrounding gender equity has intensified recently, amplified by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the critical underrepresentation of women in leadership roles across various sectors including the media and healthcare. In medical research, this disparity is particularly pronounced, with women often excluded from senior positions despite their substantial presence in the workforce. This review seeks to explore the multifaceted issue of gender inequity in medical research leadership, examining the systemic barriers that women face, the socioeconomic factors that compound these challenges and the global variations in leadership representation of women. Diverse leadership teams are essential for fostering medical innovation, improving patient outcomes and ensuring that clinical trials and medical research are effective, inclusive and representative. The underrepresentation of women in leadership roles is not merely a matter of gender bias; it is intricately linked to socioeconomic factors that hinder their advancement. Women from lower socioeconomic backgrounds face additional obstacles, such as limited access to education and professional networks, which further exacerbate their underrepresentation in leadership positions. Moreover, cultural and societal norms play a significant role in shaping the career trajectories of women. As a group of immunologists, including representatives of the International Union of Immunological Sciences (IUIS) Gender Equity Committee, we review the causes of these inequities. We examine the impact of gender-diverse leadership on pre-clinical and medical research, emphasizing the need for inclusive leadership to drive progress in medical research and resulting healthcare. Finally, the review proposes strategies for improving gender equity in medical research leadership, including policy changes, organizational initiatives and societal shifts. By addressing these critical issues, this review contributes to the ongoing efforts to promote gender equity in medical research, ultimately enhancing the quality and inclusiveness of scientific inquiry and its impact on healthcare delivery.