Women in Health Leadership: Nyanza & Western Region Dissemination Workshop Report
Date
2024-12-03
Authors
Ndunge, A.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Strathmore University
Abstract
The Western and Nyanza Region Dissemination Workshop, held in Kisumu on October 1, 2024, provided an important platform for stakeholders to engage in discussions about advancing gender equity in healthcare leadership. The event primarily aimed to tackle the underrepresentation of
women in senior leadership roles within Kenya's health sector and to devise actionable strategies for their advancement. The report opens by contextualizing the "Driving Country Level Change: Women in Health Leadership" project, which is led by Strathmore Business School (SBS) in collaboration with the Kenya Healthcare Federation (KHF). This initiative seeks to foster an environment conducive to women's leadership by identifying and addressing the systemic barriers that impede their career progression. A significant part of the report highlights research findings presented by Dr. Angela Ndunge, Principal Investigator and Faculty at SBS. Her study, "Advancing Women’s Leadership in the Kenyan Health
Sector: Are the Rungs on the Organizational Career Ladder Broken?" provides critical insights into the obstacles women face in pursuing leadership roles. Key barriers discussed include policy gaps, challenges related to work-life balance, and societal expectations that often hinder women's
advancement. Dr. Ndunge concluded with essential recommendations for creating gender-responsive workplaces that empower women leaders.