OPINION ARTICLE

WRITTEN BY CEO C-CARE UGANDA- SUKHMEET SANDHU

ROLE OF WOMEN IN THE HEALTH SECTOR IN UGANDA.

Greeting on International Women’s Day

On International Women’s Day we celebrate the achievements of women across all walks of life, in all corners of the world. It is also a focal point bringing attention to issues such as gender equality, inter alia. The Theme for International Women Day 2023 is Innovation and technology for Gender Equality.

Women are estimated to make up to more than 50% of the healthcare work force worldwide. Healthcare providers are true “Heroes” that have saved millions of lives while risking their own.

Women hold executive management positions at the highest levels.

There are numerous examples of women holding top management positions in healthcare sector too in Uganda for example we have the current Minister of health Dr Ruth Aceng, General Manager of C Care (IHK) Dr Miriam Mutero, Chief Pharmacist and Head of supply management Dr Charity Mubeezi, Heads of Human Resources C Care IMC and C Care IHK, Head of Marketing C Care are all women.

Women are also primary consumers, decision makers in the healthcare space. Women are better represented in all levels of healthcare than other sectors. Over 60% of our work force is women.

People come into the healthcare industry because they really care and these people are Women. Women can get into healthcare, stay there for many years, and have a variety of experiences. We have many doctors and senior nurses who have worked for C-Care for over 15 years. They love their work and care a lot. Of recent we saw one of the nurses in Eastern Uganda risking her life climbing a ladder to go up in the mountains to give medication and treatment to the sick people. As C-care we applaud the works of women in the health sector and indeed they are mothers of our nation.

As we celebrate women’s day, we should be proud of the momentum of women in the healthcare sector in Uganda. We must continue to highlight the success stories and spread the best practices to accelerate recent gains.

The Health Care sector has an opportunity to lead the next phase of establishing women empowerment and in taking the lead, it stands to benefit economically and socially hence development of the sector in Uganda.

We are truly inspired by the commitment, enthusiasm and the indomitable spirit of women. We salute you and thank you for all that you do.