In order to improve health systems, economies, and society, there are concerted calls for women to be involved in the development of national health plans, systems, and policies.
The demands also call for women to participate fully and equally in developing and putting into practise health initiatives for the benefit of everybody.
The executive director of the League of Young Female Leaders asserts that since there are more female nurses and midwives than male coworkers, the health professions need a glass escalator that enables women to advance in professional leadership.
Hikmat Baba Dua said pointedly, "But do we have more women in leadership positions than males in these professions? According to Madam Dua, the Ghanaian healthcare sector has a male majority in management positions, which is consistent with global patterns of less female leadership in the sector. When she asserts that gender disparity in global health leadership has been shown to have negative consequences on women's and children's health outcomes, she references the work of other experts.
However, Madam Dua cited a 2018 data that showed 50 (58.14 percent) of the 86 Principals of Nursing Colleges were women to highlight some encouraging developments in Ghana.
"This suggests that women are occupying space in that regard, and given the active role that women play in health care promotion and delivery, it is a significant win we don't have to undo but rather build upon. Women should be given the chance and encouragement to lead without any associated limitations or hurdles.
Speaking on the topic of "Gender Equality Today for Sustainable Tomorrow in The Nursing and Midwifery Profession," Madam Dua was addressing the first women and gender regional conference, which was put on by the northern regional section of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association.
Madam Dua is puzzled as to why female nurses and midwives who have the following qualities are not considered for leadership positions: intelligence, empathy, dependability, passion, efficacy, listening and critical thinking skills, counselling skills, and the ability to reassure and support others emotionally.
"We cannot achieve sustainable development if we cannot support female nurses and midwives. All levels of decision-making and policy roles should include a representation of female nurses and midwives, removing gender bias. The gender activist contends that women must be represented at all levels in order for nursing and midwifery to have a viable future. Their aspirations must be respected and acknowledged in line with their skills, and they must be able to live and work without fear of violence or prejudice.
She exhorts female nurses and midwives to realise the various leadership options at their disposal and to consider themselves as crucial to the reform of these professions for a sustainable future.
In order to counteract the prejudice, bias, and discrimination that women face in the healthcare business, particularly when it comes to making decisions and obtaining positions of responsibility, Madam Dua also exhorts them to establish bonds of sisterhood and solidarity.